W Baldwin, Tiernan, J Baldwin, Ward (1), Trapp, Ashmore, Cussen, P Ronayne, Slattery (1), Fennessy (1), O'Donghue, Joe Arnone, O' Reilly, Brown, Hogan (3), Lidlow (1), Dunne, John Arnone

> A much shorter journey this week to the glitz and glamour of Brentwood to visit league new boys Old Brentwoods. With a number of last weeks players missing through unavailability there was 8 new faces bedding in to the team with major positional reshuffling. Mark Slattery was available for his first game this season and slotted into the 9 position with Joe Fennessey shifting from 13 to 10. Both were very impressive in front of the mobile pack who led the way with some impressive defence on Old Brentwood's runners around the fringes. With fantastic facilities the pitch was in immaculate condition benefitting the running game, after continual cutting down some of the oppositions big runners early doors, Old Brentwoods seem to run out of ideas and Campion started asserting patterns discussed at midweek training sessions. It is clear to see the increased competition in the two squads this season has dramatically improved the numbers at training, both teams can only improve if this continues through the winter months.

Campion played some fantastic rugby at times, running in 7 tries in total and wasting many other opportunities to rack up some more. A certain Mr Tucker would probably say "Keep it simple boys". Some crucial ball handing mistakes resulted in Campion knocking on with the line at their mercy on more than one occasion. We shan't mention Joe Baldwins no look pass which went 5m forwards, although he will claim he had a couple of players hanging on to his brooding back. Will Brown left his kicking boots at home, only converting 2 from 7. Maybe he should have left the kicking to last week's successful kicker, Joe Fennessy, or maybe the Umbro's have had their time?

Mike Hogan went over for his first of three tries in the corner after some good work in the opposition 22. Shortly afterwards Joe Fennessey went over for his 3rd in 2 games after good play between backs and forwards, with Will Trapp and Pat Ronayne providing some fluid handing unlocking the defence.

A back row move then saw Mark Slattery go over after Mike Ashmore had run the ball back with some great footwork from halfway eventually earning Campion a scrum in the 22. Slats went over for his first try in 25 years and he was delighted. Will Brown converted, eventually.

2 disallowed tries before half time, one for a a pass which was "too flat", although it was probably forward and another after Joe Arnone used his renowned agility and footwork to bolder his way over the line, clear to see he's worked hard during pre-season, his claims of "I've Scored!!" from the bottom of the pile however was not enough to convince the referee he had scored, who had a good game allowing it to flow openly.

0-18 at HT.

Sam Lidlow entered the fray for Mike Ashmore and soon into the second half he used his sizeable frame and RL technique to batter his way over the line.

Old Brentwoods improved in the second half introducing a number of players from the bench providing some pace and more bulk. However the team as a whole defended brilliantly with text book tackling around the ankles on their bigger opponents. Pat Ronayne, Will and Joe Baldwin all providing some big hits in and around the ruck.

Tom Ward has had a great opening start to the season by providing the platform for the back row and backs to play freely by making yards and clearing rucks on a regular basis, not to mention his try scoring. He made in 2 in 2 crashing over with another carry. Converted by Will Brown.

Mike Hogan went over for two tries in the last 15 minutes, one from a brilliant break from the ruck from Slatts who held on to the ball and put a deft chip in for Hogan to hack on and use his pace touch down for his third and final try. Not bad for a converted second row.

0-39 FT.

> Back row forward, Sam Lidlow, son of the great clubman Kevin, and 2011 school tourist, Ryan Dunne at hooker, both made very impressive debuts off the bench for the Old Boys showing a great balance of power and skill. Only downside was the early loss of Mike Ashmore with a hamstring injury. Good luck also to Mike Hogan, Joe Fennessy and Ben Pitkin who head off to Uni this week. Man of the match went to Mike Hogan for his hatrick performance, Mark Slattery was a very close second filling in superbly at 9 and setting up a host of tries for his fellow team mates.
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> With the first home game next week Campion will be looking to maintain their 100% record to the start of the season with South Woodham Ferrers the visitors. The first and second team will be kicking off at 3pm, Cottons Park next week, please come down and lend your support to the lads