Winwood hat-trick staves off relegation

2:48pm Tuesday 15th April 2008

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A hat-trick of tries from Josh Winwood helped Braintree beat Saffron Walden 49-12 and all but guarantee their London North East Three status.

The Black and Ambers ran in seven tries, thanks largely to being able to play their first choice front five for the first time since October.

Last Saturday's emphatic win means that, barring any unforeseen off-the-field developments, George Fouche's men have secured ninth spot and are safe from relegation.

Braintree chairman of selectors Jeff Lewis said: "Our pack played as a solid unit and gave the backs the opportunity to exploit the space they created.

"It was a joy to watch and barring anything unforeseen it's a win which guarantees our place in London NE3 next season."

Braintree set about Walden from the off and went ahead after ten minutes when prop Daryl Coote powered over from five metres out following sustained pressure from the home pack.

Five minutes later Winwood ran in the first of his three tries when the ball was spread through the backs following a line-out.

The right wing looped round to the left to join the attacking line and took a pass from full-back Elliott Dawson before touching down in the left hand corner.

Charles Monk scored the conversion to give Brainree a 12-0 lead which he extended ten minutes later by notching a penalty awarded against a Walden player for tackling off the feet.

The home side remained dominant but the visitors hit back in first half injury time when number eight Andrew Lancaster went over following a five-yard scrum.

Despite losing Jamie Durham to the sin bin fjust before the break, Braintree turned round in decisive fashion and continued to boss the game.

Five minutes into the second period Monk added a penalty to extend his side's lead to 18-5 before Winwood scored his second try on 50 minutes.

The flying winger took a pass from outside centre Tom Green following a fine backs move to touch down behind the posts.

Monk notched the conversion to give Braintree a 25-5 lead but Walden were not beaten yet and on 61 minutes they hit back.

Right wing Matt Kearns went over in the corner following a fine backs move and outside half Paul Marshall converted the kick to reduce the arrears to 25-12.

But a minute later Braintree smothered any lingering thoughts of a comeback straight from the re-start.

Flanker Tom Carslake charged down a clearance kick and collected the ball before feeding inside centre Craig Willis who crashed over the line for his second try of the season.

Monk was unable to pot the conversion but Braintree were in imperious form and three minutes later Winwood completed his hat-trick.

The home side won back possession following the kick-off and the winger was in the right place at the right time again to capitalise on a blistering run from Green.

Monk narrowly missed the conversion but was on hand to do the honours after Green scored himself on 72 minutes.

The centre capped a fine performance by beating at least three defenders on a mazy run to score try number six, enabling Monk's boot to give Braintree a 42-12 advantage.

Walden were down and out by the time replacement Dan Shine powered through a gap in their weary defence to score in injury time.

Monk's kick was the icing on the cake of an accomplished kicking display which brought his points tally to 83.

Braintree play their final game of the season on Saturday when they make the short journey to Harlow for another county derby.