THERE were two significant battles that Braintree Rugby Club won to keep the pressure on the leaders in London League division three Essex.

The Black and Ambers had to not only overcome East London - which they did in a display that coach Brian Joslin branded as “awesome” in attack and defence - but they had also had to stage a successful fight against the weather.

Snow and freezing temperatures had looked set to deny action at Robbs Wood, but hard work by Jamie Clarke and Tony Kirby meant the pitch was prepared in time for kick-off.

And the Braintree players showed their appreciation by winning 34-17 with a result that, thanks to second-placed Millwall’s defeat at Maldon, saw them cut the deficit on the division’s top two sides to nine points with two games remaining.

Braintree chairman of selectors David Gilder said: “It was touch and go whether the snow would mean the match being postponed for the second time.

“However, we really wanted to get this one out of the way and were able to after sterling work by Jamie Clarke and Tony Kirby, who spent three hours clearing the lines of snow.

“We were concerned that the atmosphere was a bit flat before the game due to the conditions, but the players showed great fortitude and raised themselves to start very strongly and dominate the first half.

“The buffer of points was enough to see us through even though we didn’t manage to score into the teeth of the snow storm in the second half.

“A brilliant scrummaging performance by the forwards won us loads of ball and the backs managed to keep their hands warm enough to catch the important passes and run in some good tries.

“It was a very satisfying win in front of the smallest home crowd of the season in awful conditions to strengthen our place in third.

“But all due credit to East London for raising their game in the second half and making a real contest of it.”

The match turned out to be one of two halves, with Braintree making use of the wind in the first half to open a 34-7 lead and then defending that after the break as they took the brunt of the freezing conditions.

Coach Joslin added: “I was amazed the fixture went ahead.

“Respect to Jamie and Tony for getting the pitch playable.

“I was proud of how the players got themselves motivated for this match in such cold conditions.

“It was our best first half performance of the season to date.

“After a short sharp warm up they took East London apart from the kick-off.

“We realised the second half was going to be more testing playing into the wind and snow and so it was.

“From being awesome in attack in the first half we went to being awesome in defence.

“It was a great effort in very difficult conditions that got worst as game went on.”

Braintree are back in London three Essex action on Saturday when they entertain bottom club Mavericks looking to close the gap on Millwall further still.

Braintree’s second string also have a big game coming up as they travel to face Basildon seconds in the League Two Cup semi-final.