The Memorial Rugby Day, Old Brentwoods, January 20, 2013.
Match Report by Old Brentwood member, Patrick Stroud.
A day that meant so much to those that had arranged it looked like being ruined by the weather. The snow that had fallen two day's before was being increased in the bucket load. However any doubts were firmly dispelled & approximately 70 rugby players, assembled mainly from the local area, trudged out to fulfil their promise.
The three teams, Old Brentwood's, Essex Bishop's & Highlife, lined up on the pitch for a minutes silence before the kick off to remember Daniel Hannerway& Julie Knapp who had sadly passed away last year. A rousing rendition of Jerusalem followed & then it was gum shields in & let the play begin.
The first game saw Old Brentwood's play the Essex Bishop's. Both Knapp brothers, Bob & Dave, propped for the Old Boy's with Ian & Neil Hannaway forming part of the home team back row. Despite the weather the handling was good with Alex Hughes & Jerry Shouksmith making good breaks in the Bishop's line only to be pegged back by stout defence. However good counter attacking play brought rewards for the Bishop's which resulted in two tries in quick succession mid way through the half. A try from Neil Tetner at the stroke of half time reduced the deficit. The hosts took the lead five minutes into the second half with tries from James Stroud & Frazer Blackburn both of whom were making welcome returns after several years of retirement. Victory was snatched from the Old Boy's with a try from the Bishop's & the game closed at 15 all.
The second game saw the Bishop's up against Highlife, a side put together by Jay French who was celebrating his 50th birthday. The encounter proved to be a dogged affair with both sides cancelling each other out with stout defence from all. The 'no kicking policy' employed by both sides made for a more physical game with support & guile being the best way to advance. Both Steve Everson for the Bishop's & John Janes for Highlife exploited weaknesses to good effect but with both teams nullifying the others attacks the 10 all final score line seemed a fair result.
With the snow falling even heavier & with frost bite setting in to both hands & feet the Old Boy's needed to beat Highlife in the last game to take the spoils. Having had a rest the host's had much of the early play but were unable to convert possession into points. Typical energy from Rory Harnett got the rewand but with the last play of the half Highlife got a well timed interception & brought the scores level at the whistle.
With an injury to the referee Billy Mullen pulled on the yellow jursey & officiated the second half. Despite further dominance from the Old Boy's with James Holmes & Simon Peace going close the game line would not be breached & the final game ended like the previous two - drawn.
