STAINES 53 - 11 BRENTWOOD

(London & South-East Division One North)

BRENTWOOD knew they faced an uphill task away to the league leaders and it proved just that as they returned home heavily defeated. The away fixture saw Brentwood again troubled by injuries, forced to select a new front row with the Bevans-Royston brothers at prop and the veteran John Sproul at hooker. Skipper Tom King moved to the second-row allowing Ben Amato to start as blindside wing forward. Finally Richie Wyatt came in at centre with young Charlie Chambers tried out at scrum-half.

Brentwood kicked off into a fresh breeze and for the opening minutes looked comfortable against the league leaders. However, on Staines first counter-attack quick ball saw their right winger speed round the defence for the first converted try. The visitors recovered with fly-half's Brad Burr penalty before a penalty from Staines brought the score to 10-3 for the home side.

As the first quarter ended Staines looked dangerous whenever they had possession but Brentwood were resolute in defence and were certainly undaunted with the task. But another well supported move saw the home side score their second converted try. Brentwood responded with an excellent Burr penalty from half-way and at 6-17 were still in the game.

The gap closed further when Burr broke through Staines defence before cleverly passing to Emile Solomons for the winger to dive over in the left corner. At 11-17 Brentwood's tails were up. But Staines piled on the pressure and soon stretched their lead when Burr's clearance kick was charged down. An ensuing penalty in the 22 saw well-supported play leading to their third converted try. At 24-11 going into half-time Staines were beginning to get a winning lead.

At the break the underdogs had played their hearts out but had still found themselves well behind. Staines had looked a well-organised outfit and had taken every scoring opportunity with clinical efficiency. The second half started with the injured skipper Tom King having to be replaced by Steve Killington. King has played consistently well this season and his absence off the field was a major disappointment for Brentwood.

The visitors, with young Chambers and Burr linking well, held the powerful Staines attack until the end of the third quarter when the home side scored a penalty and then a converted fourth try. At 34-11 they had secured their 20th victory out of 23 games played. Tiring from their previous efforts the fourth quarter was one too many for the visitors as the home side ran in a further three tries, two were converted. Despite bringing on fresh legs in Marc Pluck and Graeme Smith Staines became unstoppable in the last 15 minutes.

Although losing 53-11 Brentwood had tried their hardest and their commitment could not be faulted but a weakened side was not able to challenge the playing resources of the leaders.