Sussex Merlin’s 18 - Brentwood Eels 24  

Eels travelled to the south coast hoping to avenge their only league defeat of the season.

A poor start let Sussex take the lead inside one minute.

4-0

From the restart good progress down the left led to Josh sending Archie clear with an excellent pass.

4-4

Merlin’s replied again in the corner after some confusion from Brentwood as to where the try line was.

8-4

Eels pulled level again with Josh finishing a flowing move.

8-8

Sussex came straight back at the visitors but great defence saw Eels hold out on their own try line. Both defences dominated for a period with the game mainly being played in the middle of the pitch. Just before half time Brentwood worked their way up the pitch and a great line run by Findlay saw him touch down. Converted.

8-14 HT

Eels again started the half poorly gifting possession to the home team. Penalised for an offence on Eels own scrum let Merlin’s score a try from the penalty.

12-14

The game again was dominated by both defences for a period until a great carry from Will led to Frankie powering in and Archie converting.

12-20

Again mistakes or poor discipline cost Brentwood letting Sussex back into the game with a try under the posts. Converted.

18-20

With Sussex now on the front foot strong defence kept Eels ahead just. Regaining composure Eels worked their way up the pitch and Frankie again powered over with the last play of the game.

18-24  FT

Another close game between two evenly matched sides but probably the right result on the day.

Match report produced by Steve Bottone. Thanks Steve!