Brentwood avoid the dreaded drop

BRENTWOOD 21

RUISLIP 10

(London and South East Division One North)

Brentwood have successfully fought off the threat of relegation after a thrilling final day comeback win at home to sixth placed Ruislip. Having trailed 10-3 just before half-time Emile Solomans and then Anthony Sherwood both went over the line in the second half to give Brentwood a deserved victory.

Director of rugby Steve Killington made only one change from last week's win at Harpenden, with hooker Steve Bowyer returning from injury to replace veteran Dave Brooks. The hosts had the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty in the early stages which was duly converted by 17-year-old Brad Burr.

In front of 400 spectators Brentwood were certainly up for it, but Ruislip did step up a gear and started to win more quality ball in good areas. The visitors put over a penalty and then scored a controversial try when the referee missed a clear forward pass, it was converted and the hosts were 10-3 behind. With the referee frustrating the players and crowd alike, prop Ashton Bevans-Royston was sin binned for aggressive rucking.

Down to 14 men the home side were forced to place flanker Jed Roman with John Sproul and the pack responded magnificently. As half-time approached Burr reduced the arrears with a penalty before the referee then sin binned skipper Tom King despite his protests.

Although down to 14 men again Brentwood had the slope advantage and they started the second half gaining a penalty, but Burr narrowly missed. A series of Brentwood attacks eventually produced the try their play richly deserved when Beith broke from the base of the scrum to feed winger Solomons for the touch down. Burr missed the kick but his side were now ahead 11-10.

King now returned to the fray and a series of drives and interpassing kept Ruislip in their 22 and they conceded another penalty and this time Burr made no mistake as the lead was stretched to 14-10. With the crowd becoming nervous Brentwood searched for a match breaking try and it came when Sherwood successfully touched down, Burr converted to put the icing on the cake and they looked home and dry at 21-10.

Against a strong side Brentwood won a magnificent victory winning their final two games of the season and maintaining their Division One North status having been promoted last season.

It was an outstanding team display with prop Ashton Bevans-Royston, John Beith and Joe Cook exceptional.

Captain Tom King has had a tremendous season and has been selected for the Essex county squad.