On an overcast Saturday afternoon the Eels took to the field against a very large and powerful Bromley side. So far this season the Bromley side had edged us out in two previous games but the lads were determined to put what they had learnt from their trip up North and from training the previous Thursday into practice. As is the case when we play Bromley the match isn’t for the faint hearted as two Brentwood players left the field within the first five minutes with injuries – Evan breaking his collarbone in a heavy collision.

The boys quickly rallied and traded sets with their opponents with both sides exerting real pressure. The deadlock was soon broken with Luca Valentini crossing the line and Rian Horsman converting from the side-line. Bromley then upped the pressure and responded themselves shortly after by using their big forwards down the middle of the field. Both sides then played conservative Rugby League waiting for an error and taking good field position. Bromley and Brentwood then traded tries before half-time with Elliot Mahoney-Fox going over for the Eels.

The second-half was again a close affair but the Eels looked the more accomplished and confident with the ball in hand. Their set completion was better and the kicking game was starting to turn the Bromley side around ensuring they started their sets close to their line. Just as it looked like both sides were cancelling themselves out, Billy Davison put in a huge hit on one of the Bromley forwards which lifted the whole team. This really woke the side from their slumber resulting in one of the tries of the season being scored. Horsman took the ball and ran across the field attracting two defenders before passing a flat ball to Alex Keable on the wing. On receipt of the ball Keable ran sixty metres before been tackled by the Bromley full-back, but he still managed to off-load the ball to the supporting Owen Dew who raced away to score under the sticks. This was duly converted by Horsman. Bromley than threw everything at the Eels and used their large forwards once again to good effect scoring two quick tries.

Going behind like that would have finished off a lesser side but this Eels team are made of stronger stuff and they rallied once again. The forwards really put in an extra effort with Davison playing like a human wrecking ball and the Dew, Valentini and Horsman combination playing out of their skin. Dew scored another try and on the final play Dan "The Poacher" Fox burrowed over from close range with the conversion being scored to seal the match.

Carl Horsman, Chairman & U14’s Head Coach said “It was a really tough day but the boys played some fantastic Rugby League and thoroughly deserved their victory. It’s really pleasing to see that they are playing as a team and putting what they learn in training into practice. Every player should be extremely proud of their efforts.”

Tries:
O. Dew 2, L. Valentini 1, E. Mahoney-Fox 1, D. Fox 1

Conversions:
R. Horsman 4