Black and Ambers back to winning ways

4:37pm Tuesday 30th September 2008

Braintree atoned for their disappointing home defeat to London League division three north eastleaders Rochford with a superb 46-31 victory at Romford and Gidea Park.

First blood went to the visitors when Charles Monk notched a sixth-minute penalty.

But Romford were level inside four minutes from a fly-half Dave Gilmour penalty. In the 22nd minute, Braintree’s Monk hit a drop-goal for a 6-3 lead.

The visitors scored the first of their six tries 12 minutes later when hooker Stevie Sewell crashed over from close range, which was converted by Monk.

On 37 minutes Braintree outside-centre Tom Green scored under the posts, Monk converted. With half-time looming Romford hit back with a Gilmour penalty.

And in first half injury-time Gilmour finished off a move he started himself before notching another kick.

On 45 minutes, Braintree prop Jamie Prince crossed for a converted try.

On 52 minutes, Romford’s Levan Goganashvili scored under the posts and Gilmour then notched a penalty.

Romford closed to within a point when Pete O’Brien scored an unconverted try.

On 63 minutes, Braintree’s Prince scored his second try.

Stand-in kicker Willis potted the conversion to give the visitors a 34-26 lead and with seconds to go before the end of normal time Green completed his brace of tries.

Willis was again true with his boot.

Romford pulled closer in injury time when right wing Dave Rapley scored in the corner.

The try fest was finally over after full-back Darren Page crossed the line on 85 minutes.

Braintree chairman of selectors Jeff Lewis said: “It was a fantastic game to watch and we produced some fine rugby at times.

“Romford’s backs were very dangerous and they were always a threat because of that but our forwards were immense in the scrum and line-out.

“We now have to take that level of performance into the game at Sudbury on Saturday which is all set to be a cracker.”

Editor's choice