Brave effort but no joy for Sharks

Braintree RFC were the latest visitors to Crow Lane to take on Romford Under 14’s

Early morning rain had cleared and the game began in near perfect conditions and with the Sharks impressing last week against Upminster, optimism was high

The away team however looked a strong quick outfit from the first whistle and were quickly into their stride and scored their first try of the morning with their right wing going over.

Try number two followed after six minutes with Braintrees big forwards driving through to touchdown and the try was converted to make the score 12-0

The Sharks were not playing badly though and made the away team battle for everything and produced a couple of good moves of their own with no reward.

Captain Louis Ridley punted the ball downfield and chased down his kick together with second row Ronnie Brooks, who both tackled the isolated Braintree full back, the ball was recycled by Romford but they were driven in touch close to the line.

Centres Sam Brindle and Dylan Ellis were driving the team forward with some good runs and important tackles and the team enjoyed a decent spell

Sadly, the third try for the visitors came just before half time, when again one of their big forwards drove through to score.

The half time score was Romford 0 Braintree 17

Into the second half and despite Romford still battling away the next try again went to Braintree.

A further two tries followed with one converted to make the score a flattering 34-0

The Sharks deserved something for all their efforts and with the last play of the game, full back Harry Wright picked up the ball in his own half and went on one of his now trademark runs, avoiding a couple of challenges to score Romfords consolation

Final score: Romford 5 Braintree 34

Squad: C Wilson, M Wilson, Courtney, McVelia, Brooks, Williams, Walker, Ridley, King, Walters, Burke, Brindle, Ellis, Charles, Wright, Sykes, Farrant, Calarus, James