Brentwood entertained their old rivals on a raw afternoon but with conditions ideally suited to an open game of rugby.

Following last season's league reorganisation Romford & Gidea Park are now midway in London N2 while Brentwood are midway in London NE3.

The visitors kicked off downfield and initially took the game to Brentwood.

The home team easily absorbed this early pressure and started to attack upfield with enterprising back row moves.

The first 10 minutes was all Brentwood with breaks by Cappaert, Williams and Martin almost bringing tiles.

Brentwood continued to attack with a co-ordination of pack and back moves and from a maul formed in Romford's 22 Williams was driven over for an unconverted try.

Whereas the first quarter was all Brentwood the second was more even with Romford trying to prise open Brentwood's defence and the home team resisting the pressure with good line kicking and tackling.

Phillips making a welcome return on the right wing was particularly noticeable.

With half-time beckoning, the home team drove uphill again led by their powerhouse of Killington, Brindle and Williams.

The resultant penalty was put into touch, the line-out won and Williams driven over for his second try.

This is a well-rehearsed move and pleasing for both the pack and spectators alike.

McConnal, playing at stand-off in the absence of Reynolds just missed the conversion, so at half-time, Brentwood led 10-0 with the slope to come in their favour.

The first half showed just how far Brentwood have come this season.

After losing most of their games up to mid November, they have since been undefeated. Their confidence as a team is high.

Their pack is playing with heart and conviction and their backs have discovered a flair not seen for a few seasons.

The second half was not Brentwood's best as they failed to press home the advantage of the slope.

However, the damage was done in the first half and as much as Romford tried they never looked convincing as a team.

As Christmas entertaining took its toll, and tiredness crept in, there was still some terrific tackling coming from the backs, particularly McConnal.

In the pack the front row gave their usual solid performance with the back row outstanding in defence, Killington's fitness shone out with his play in the tight and loose.

Into the last quarter with both teams tiring, Brentwood's old habits of losing ball at line-out and in loose play started to re-appear.

However, with full-time approaching the home team sealed the match when Brindle, lurking at centre, intercepted Romford's ball.

Off-loading to McConnal, the stand-off ran 40 metres before passing to Martin to touch down under the posts for a well-deserved try. McConnal converted to give a final score of 17-0.

Brentwood fully deserved this win as Romford were worthy opponents.

Although McConnal, moved from centre for this match, was Magnus man of the match for his all round play. This was essentially a team win with all players contributing to a fine result.

Undefeated for six weeks, Brentwood look forward to the second half of the 2000/2001 season.

Brentwood: Kirby, Brooke, Wright, Killington, Brindle, Parkes, Williams, Metcalf, Twidale, McConnal, Phillips, Cappaert, Church, Martin and Millar.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.