23rd March 2024
Result: Aldeburgh 14 Braintree 26
Brass monkeys shiver
3:00pm on Queens Field and a fresh northerly breeze made even the brass monkeys shiver.
Both teams were able to field a full side although Aldeburgh were missing a few regular players due to injury and sickness. Our Chief Sports Writer (Joe Booth) had also taken to his bed with some terrible affliction, so the baton was handed to cub reporter P Walkden esq.
Aldeburgh kicked off and managed to camp in Braintree’s 22 for the first five minutes but without success. A break down the left wing by Braintree’s No. 14 resulted in a try which was converted. 0-7 after 6 minutes.
Some good line passing by Aldeburgh followed by a touch down by prop, Aaron Tuck, converted by Fred Precious levelled the scores very quickly. It was apparent at this early stage we were going to have a closer contest on our hands than the previous meeting between the teams in December when Braintree had handed out a 48-0 spanking to our boys.
Following the kick off we were pushed back to 10 yards out but the first of many penalties was awarded to Braintree for holding on in the ruck. The resulting line out was stolen by Aldeburgh, leading to a slick passage of play by our boys in green. A further penalty missed touch and a further try to Braintree in coffin corner, although there was much debate about a Braintree foot in touch. The first of many decisions by the officials which were hotly disputed by the spectators. So 7 -12 after 20 minutes.
Not daunted Aldeburgh fought back only to have a try disallowed following a knock on. Minutes later a further try was disallowed as the ball was deemed to have been held up. By this time Paddy Allen our head coach was bursting a blood vessel at the decisions against us. By the 29th minute Aldeburgh were deservedly rewarded a try again converted by Fred Precious, substituting as kicker for the injured Ed Robson. A final first half score to Braintree after a skilful interception. 14-19 at half time represented a gritty performance from Aldeburgh.
A good crowd in excess of 80 braved the showers and stayed into the second half. A period of mysterious penalties awarded to both sides peppered the second half. An attacking move by Aldeburgh faltered at the line out on their 22 . The game was then held up for several minutes as Braintree’s No 12 had taken a knock to the head and had to be helped from the pitch to the usual and appropriate applause from teams and supporters. We later found he went on to A&E – we all hope he has recovered.
The rest of the second half became disjointed given the many and curious penalty decisions. A scrum to Aldeburgh on the 20th minute was lost resulting in a further try to Braintree which again was converted to take us to 14-26 after 22 minutes. Further potential for Aldeburgh to make a dent in the scoreline was hampered by a yellow card for a high tackle.
Full time 14-26 but sadly a lot of post match conversations revolved around on field decisions.
Next Match: Saturday 6th April at home to Mistley 2
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