Brentwood travelled to Chingford expecting a testing challenge on their perpetually boggy Lea Valley Ground. The 38 league points difference between the two sides counted for nothing as the heavy pitch and physical approach of the Chingford players made the first half a scrappy affair. Play was constantly interrupted by infringements and foul tackles which saw three Chingford players yellow carded by the referee.

Despite spending much of the half short handed, it was Chingford who scored first when a rare piece of enterprising play saw a well placed cross field kick collected by their right winger who scored comfortably. The conversion gave Chingford a 7-0 lead. Brentwood struggled all the half to get their fluid game going but the heavy pitch was also taking its toll on the legs of the hard working Chingford players. The half ended with Brentwood’s forwards exerting heavy pressure on the Chingford line and a slick run and try by fly half Tom Simpson converted by Henry Bird. The 7-7 score at half time reflected the play in what was a disappointing forty minutes of rugby for most of the spectators.

Whatever Director of Rugby Steve Killington said to his players during the break, Brentwood started the second half like a completely different team. For the first time in the match, they put together several phases and moved the ball quickly out to the right and back across to the left before number eight Tom King finished off a great team try from close range. Henry Bird converted and Brentwood were ahead 7-14.
Straight from Chingford’s restart a superb running and passing movement by the Brentwood backs saw centre Josh Stannard sprint past several would be Chingford tacklers before off loading to Aaron Stanier who touched down. Bird missed his conversion but Brentwood were now leading 7-19 and their supporters were feeling comfortable for the first time in the match.

Steve Killington took the opportunity to introduce another youth section graduate, James McCarthy, who replaced Felix Harris to make his first team debut. The young scrum half slotted straight into the core of the team and Brentwood’s cohesive running rugby continued. Brentwood were now exerting constant pressure on a tiring Chingford team and a fourth try was not long in coming. Nick Binet, back to his dominant best after a prolonged absence due to injury, scored in the corner after another series of well-worked phases.
Bird narrowly missed his conversion attempt but made amends shortly after with a successful penalty which brought the score to 7-27.

A fifth and final Brentwood try from Josh Stannard, converted by Bird, brought Brentwood’s second half scoring spree to an end. The game ended with Brentwood back row forward Billy Aldous yellow carded for an offence at the breakdown and Chingford taking immediate advantage and scoring a consolation try in the left hand corner.
The 12-34 win keeps Brentwood in third place with 67 points from 17 games.

The Chigwell Construction man of the match was Josh Woodcock. Special mention also went to veteran hooker Matt Northall who made a full hearted return to the side due to last week’s serious injury to Jonny Crisp.