Brentwood U17s 33 Tring U17s 0

Brentwood shine in the rain…

Weather like this often makes me wonder why I drag myself out of bed to stand on the touchline, even more so when I’m already sleep deprived following being rudely awoken by what sounded like cats being strangled but turned out to be Swampy, Ian, Rocky and Bryn singing in my kitchen but despite all this the boys made a soggy visit to Tring (or T-ring if you were talking to Chris McCarthy) well worth it.

To be honest, given the conditions, Brentwood just managing to keep hold of the ball would have been some achievement but they retained possession well and following strong initial breaks by Roland and then Sam Fry the forwards gathered themselves together to drive Pratley over the line for the opening try. Charlie whacked the conversion over, 7-0 Brentwood.

Admitedly I haven’t written a great deal notes-wise for this report, possibly something to do with gossiping with Jodie too much, but Brentwood were handling the conditions well and importantly they were controlling the ball. A wet weather game plan had clearly been adopted with a stick it up the jumper tactic evident and passes kept to a short pop so as to avoid too many fumbles. This tactic clearly was working as good ground was gained allowing Ollie, I think, it’s a bit smudged…to skid over the line for Brentwood’s second. Charlie again knocked the conversion over, 14-0 Brentwood.

Nothing much more of any note happened before half time, that or Jodie’s gossip was too interesting so Brentwood went in with a two try lead.

As much as it pains me to say it, it dawned on me early on in the second half that Billy was playing quite well. And then I realised Chris Doble was on the wing which meant it was probably a blue moon too…The boys continued their first half form, offloading in tight space and making ground all the time. Of course the odd ball went astray, handling was not easy, but Brentwood’s forwards always worked hard to win it back and following another run from Roland and a burst down the wing from Chris Doble the forwards showed some nice skill in a small area to send Ollie in at the corner. The conversion missed, 19-0 Brentwood.

By this point in the game everyone was very wary of going down injured. Seemingly the team had acquired a new medical man due to Kevin’s absence, Will, whose only qualification appeared to be wearing a high-vis coat, was a little to enthusiastic with the ‘magic spray’ and several players were seen wandering around with small icebergs encrusted to various parts of their body.

Brentwood had now started playing a kicking game and after a kick from Charlie trickled in to touch near the corner Brentwood’s forwards stepped up to harass Tring at the lineout. This proved to be very successful, the lineout was nicked and the forwards bundled over the line. James was the man seen coming up with the ball thus I’m assuming he got the try. Charlie hit the conversion, 26-0 Brentwood.

Brentwood’s last try was, somewhat surprisingly, a backs move! Charlie was running in a glorious fashion, Sam Fry made a sneaky pass, Chris Doble on the wing cut back in, it was recycled quickly and Joel steamed in at the corner for probably the best try of the game. Well, saving the best for last and all that. Charlie topped off a solid performance by getting the conversion, 33-0 Brentwood which is how the game ended. A good performance from Brentwood in horrible conditions both attack and defense wise and fingers crossed it continues!

Lastly, I’m sure I speak for everyone related to the under 17s when I say this, Paul if you’re reading this we wish you a speedy recovery.