Lynch, Rogers, Jones (2), Tiernan, Campbell-Briggs, Carter (2), McMurray, Hill (1), Frost, Buchan (2), Thomas, Lidlow, Hogan, Joe Arnone, L. McEvoy (1), Storer, Cussen, Ryan (1), O'Connor, John Arnone

The twos travelled to sunny Braintree this week looking to overcome their first defeat of the season. The side welcomed back a number of players missing last week including this seasons standout performers Sam Lidlow and Rich Jones. 3 players were making their first appearance of the season, with familiar faces JCB and Glen Storer adding their sizeable bulk to the engine room. Club debutant Pat O'Connor played his first game for the old boys providing a very impressive debut on the wing from the bench.

From the kick off the ever present Niall Tiernan pressurised the opposition catcher forcing a knock on. From the resulting scrum the tight five provided clean ball for Russell to deliver exceptional service to out half Matt Buchan who chipped the ball over the oncoming defence, gathering the ball to go under the sticks untouched, however this was not to be the best try of the match, that comes later.

Danny Ryan replaced Buchan shortly afterwards, with Liam McEvoy moving to 10. With the wind picking up, full back Danny ran every ball back at the defence eventually rewarding him with a try after fantastic interplay between himself, Mike Hogan and Damo. Braintree came back at Campion with big hits coming in from their 10 and 12 eventually earning Braintree a penalty that they kicked into Campions 22. From the resulting line out number 8 Alfie Hill stole the lose ball and showed his pace running the length of the pitch only to be stopped 5m short by the oppositions full back.

Campion earnt a scrum in the opposition and Neil Lynch got stuck into his man with Liam McEvoy eventually going over in the corner after crashing through a couple of strong tackles. Converted by Rogers. Braintree came back for their only score of the game with a 40m penalty.

Joe Arnone was finding more of the ball coming off his wing and provided one of his barraging runs into midfield showing good footwork and deceptive speed to set the ball up in the opposition 22. Rich Jones soon crawled over after good work from the forwards with McMurray, JCB and Carter hitting every ruck. Converted by Rogers.

After a 4 year draught, Mike Carter went over for a try, a deserved reward for his impressive performances over the last few weeks. Much to his delight, Carter went over for his second try after some flanker like side stepping opened up a gaping hole in the tiring oppositions defence. Converted by Buchan.

Buchan trundled in for his second try and McEvoy, Ryan and Hill made 50m down the blindside of the scrum showing great speed and handing accuracy that has been missing in the last few weeks. Converted by Buchan.

Now for the moment of the match, with Braintree on the attack, a long pass was thrown in midfield, only to be picked off by prop forward Rich Jones, who sprinted in from 50m out, despite infamous speedster John Arnone free outside him. Jonesey only had eyes for the line and he was not to be denied his 4th try of the season as the opposition could not get near him, instead in a great show of sportsmanship they all gave him a clap on his very long and slow return to his own half upon scoring. Converted by Buchan.

The scoring was concluded when Alfie Hill once again broke free of the defence and used his speed to go in under the post after a 40m break, despite having John outside him (again). A well deserved try for one of the performances of the season so far.

MOM went to Alfie Hill who despite denying club legend John Arnone a try, was tireless in attack, making significant yardage every time he got his hands on the ball. Other notable performances go to 50m man Rich Jones, Mike Carter and Matt Buchan who all scored a brace. As well as captain of the day, Neil Lynch who was a real thorn in the oppositions scrum.

A great weekend for the club as the ones beat Basildon 84-3 to go 3rd in the table.
Next week sees both teams at home, with Rochford visiting the 1s and the 2s taking on old friends Eton Manor - 2.30 KO // Cottons Park.

Training Monday and Wednesday at the school, 7.30PM. All welcome.