Two games in 24 hours proved a hurdle too far for Braintree's battle weary troops as their interest in the Essex Cup ended prematurely yet again but the margin of victory flattered their hosts.
Joint coach Gary Coote refused to blame the demands of a double header for Tree's defeat, pointing out that Brentwood had also been in action 24 hours earlier as they pulled off a shock victory at Saffron Walden in Powergen London North East Three.
In truth the black and ambers rarely looked like scoring against their Essex rivals but their defence was solid all afternoon and they did not deserve to lose this pulsating cup clash by 14 points.
Playing with the slope in the first half Tree went in just 8-6 down at the interval with Craig Willis converting two penalties in response to the home side's try and penalty.
Despite having Mark Warriner sin-binned in the first half the visitors defended stoutly with a makeshift front row which saw Ian Saward playing in an accustomed role at prop.
After the break they had to play with 14 men for another 10-minute period after Saward too was yellow carded but continued with their efforts to thwart a side who ply their trade in a higher league and were unlucky to concede two more tries, one of which was converted.
Coote praised first team debutant Nick Fairchild after he gave a sound performance on the wing, but added: "If I had to pick anyone out for particular praise it would be Benny Stammers at number 12. He was superb. But it was a fine all round team effort."
Published Wednesday, January 22, 2003
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