Ilford Wanderers 14 Brentwood 32 (Shepherd Neame Essex Merit League: Division 6) 29th November 2014

Brentwood 3rd XV travelled to Ilford Wanderers for a hastily re-arranged game, after Brentwood’s pitches were deemed unplayable due to the adverse weather. The Brentwood team, boasting an array of new faces, as well as some slightly older and more haggard ones began well and the game plan was clearly to play a fast open game utilising the pace on offer in the backs. This approach was rewarded with an opening try from evergreen skipper Martin Gillett, who finished off a sparkling move to side step his way over after some strong build up play from Declan Gillett and robust centre Bob Bird.

The game then entered a very even period with Ilford’s superior set piece and indiscipline from the Brentwood team resulting in Brentwood being pegged back following an array of penalty offences. Undeterred, Brentwood again managed to seize on a loose ball and with the backs moving the ball well Declan Gillett rounded off another fine move to take a 12-0 lead. Ilford ,however, bounced straight back and scored in the last minute of the first half to make the score at the Interval 12-7 to the visitors.

The approach to the 2nd half was to move the ball at every opportunity and where possible play some attacking rugby, but with Ilford dominating possession and more indiscipline resulting in a yellow card Brentwood found themselves very much on the back foot. A strong run into the Ilford half by flanker Tom Riches resulted in a Brentwood penalty and Declan Gillett slotted the 3 points, so much to their credit, Brentwood’s resolve ensured they got through the sin bin period without conceding any points.

As Ilford upped the pressure a series of scrums on the Brentwood line looked lightly to end in a penalty try but with ball handling No 8, Nigel Kirby reluctantly moving up to the front row, Brentwood held firm. Ultimately the pressure told and the Ilford scrum half eventually powered over from a short range penalty for a converted score to take the game into the final quarter with Brentwood holding a narrow 15-14 lead.

Following another Brentwood penalty, taking the score to 18 -14, and Brentwood still intent on playing a fast brand of rugby they once again threatened the Ilford line. Following strong running from Mark Smith the ball was again moved wide for another Brentwood score from full back Dennie Jones. With Ilford now tiring, Brentwood were able to round things off in style with another excellent team try this time finished off by Bob Bird.

Against a powerful and well drilled Ilford side this was an excellent performance from Brentwood with recent recruits Matt Simmons and Josh Bishop having their first outings for Brentwood’s senior sides.
This was a good all round team effort with all Brentwood players putting in strong performances in what was a good win against a very useful Ilford side.