With around 10 players missing through school activities the Eels managed to muster 12 lads, with three of these never having played Rugby League before. On arrival the twelve teams present were split into three pools with the Eels finding themselves up against the large Charlton (eventual winners)and Croydon sides plus the skilful Sussex Merlins. Our first match against Charlton was a baptism of fire for the new lads. Our full-back Tyler Ford left the field within the first few minutes with a shoulder injury and was unable to participate any further during the day. The other players were still in Rugby Union mode and failed to show any line speed or commit numbers into the tackle. Rian managed to score from the base of the scrum, but this wasn't enough as we went down 16-4. There was not time to relax as we then had the equaly large Croydon side to contend with, but this was a vast improvement with better line speed, tackling and also a greater degree of ball retention. After conceding two tries Rian scored from his own kick and later into the game launched a perfectly weighted cross-field kick which was met by Zac who leapt above his oposite number and grounded the ball for the equalizing try (8-8). Many of the on-lookers felt that this was the try of the tournamnet! Game three saw us face the Merlins, once again you could see the improvement as the players were comunicating and getting used to each other. This was yet another draw (8-8)with Daniel our resident pocacher scoring from dummy half off a play the ball on the Sussex try-line. Our new signing Lamar also showed what he can do by breaking through the Merlins line and sprinting in for a try.

Our final game saw us play the Merlins once more. This time the game was played on a larger pitch which suited our style. Every player participated in this match with Lamar showing his style by scoring a brace, Owen topped a great performance during the day by also scoring a brace and with Zac also chipping-in we saw the Merlins off 20-16.

The bigest positive was that all our new boys took something from the day and hopefully learnt something. Both Oscar and Billy really impressed and I'm sure they will continue to develop as the season progresses.

Brentwood 4 v Charlton 16
Horsman
Brentwood 8 v Croydon 8
Horsman
Outen
Brentwood 8 v Sussex 8
Fox
Douglas
Brentwood 20 v Sussex 16
Douglas 2
Dew 2
Outen