Brentwood returned to action last weekend, following a break in the league programme, so that players could support the previous week’s home internationals, for, what on a paper looked a routine game against Harrow, playing their first ever season of league 6 rugby and battling to avoid relegation, having won only 5 of their 20 league games this season. However this turned out to be an uncomfortable afternoon for the visitors, as lacklustre Brentwood came up against a spirited Harrow side who played their hearts out all afternoon, and were disappointed at the end not to have secured a victory and only ending up with a losing bonus point to show for their afternoons work.

Brentwood kicked off under leaden skies, and fell behind after 10 minutes when Harrow kicked a penalty, after Brentwood forwards were penalised at the break down for being off side. This set back galvanised the visitors into action and they appeared to be taking control of the game as they ran in two quick tries, and after 17 minutes were leading by 12 -3.
First winger Ed Greenfield raced in at the corner after being put in the clear as the ball was passed smartly through the backs, and secondly centre Josh Stannard cut through the Harrow defence to touch down between the posts for Henry Bird to convert.
Instead of pushing home their advantage, Brentwood collectively took their feet of the pedals and let the home side back into the game, and it was the away side who were pleased to hear the whistle, as the referee blew for half time, the score being 12 -10, in Brentwood’s favour after Harrow scored a well-deserved converted try following some very poor tackling by Brentwood coupled with an uncomfortable period defending with only 14 men after standoff Tim Simpson had been yellow carded.

After a severe talking to from head coach Steve Killington, a more positive Brentwood kicked off the second half and were soon on the attack, a further score by Ed Greenfield was only stopped by some desperate last ditch Harrow tackling, but soon after, Harrow mounted in an attack which lead to an unconverted try taking the lead - score 15 points to 12.

The game limped on with neither side having an advantage, until Brentwood won the ball at the breakdown, and quick passing between forwards and backs lead to Henry Bird diving over to score a fine try, taking Brentwood into the lead by 17 points to 15. Harrow came back into the game, and Brentwood’s uncomfortable afternoon got even worse, as the loss of scrum half Henry Galligan and young winger James McCarthy, led to the backs having to be rearranged, with standoff Simpson going to scrum half, and the No8 Nick Binet now moved to the centre. On the 70 minute mark Brentwood did score their fourth try of the afternoon, when a line out on the 5 metre line was won by captain Josh Woodcock and the forwards drove the opposition over the line for Brentwood’s’, James Metcalfe to score. Henry Bird converted, giving Brentwood a healthy lead by 24 – 15. The final 10 minutes saw Harrow score a penalty and were on the attack as the game ended, with Brentwood victors by 24 points to 18.

The win, plus the all-important bonus point for scoring four tries, leaves Brentwood third in the table five points behind leaders Amersham and Chiltern, promotion is still very much a possibility with both their nearest rivals, Amersham and Chiltern and Tring due to visit King Georges.
Chigwell Construction Man Of The Match was Nick Binet.

IMPORTANT: This coming Sunday (13th March) Brentwood U18's are in action yet again competing in the National Colts Cup 2015-2016. Having reached the quarter final round with only eight teams remaining in the competition, this promises to be an exceptional game against Bracknell.
All of the previous matches building up to this Sunday have been nail biting, exciting & hard fought contests with some top class rugby on display. Come along to this once in a lifetime opportunity in this National competition for many of these lads, your support will be rewarded both prior to, during and post match. A special BBQ, cocktails, drinks, bar food and much more is on offer.
See you there and get to King George's Playing Fields early for the 1.30pm kick off.