The heavy overnight rain had left the sloping pitch in a muddy state for Saturday's match, and it was to the credit of both teams that the game was played in such an open and attractive manner.

Brentwood kicked off with the benefit of a swirling cold wind and were immediately put under pressure by the OA's much heavier pack.

Following successive rucks and mauls the home team opened the visitors defence for their winger to score an easy try in the corner.

Despite receiving poor ball Van Rodyan, playing his first game for Brentwood, showed up well.

He has good hands, a penetrating boot and is fearless in the tackle and he will be an asset to the team in future matches.

The pressure continued, and following a missed penalty by Brentwood, a second converted try was scored by OA's when their number eight crossed from a rolling maul.

With stout defensive work from the whole of the Brentwood, play became scrappy.

For a period the visitors pack forced their way into the home team's half and following rucking offences Van Rodyan scored two penalties, to make the score 12-6.

OA's then stepped up their play again and with half time approaching scored another try, through their right winger, and a further penalty to make the score at the turn round 20-6.

In the second half, with the conditions against them, and with OA's winning continuous good ball, Brentwood were never allowed back into the game.

The visitors were constantly having to tackle opposition who were much larger in physique.

To Brentwood's credit their heads never dropped and they tackled non-stop all afternoon.

Another converted try from the OA's number eight was followed by a penalty for a rucking offence.

The last try was scored when OA's outside centre ran the length of the pitch to touch down in the corner, making the final score 35-6 to the home team.

It was an impressive performance by OA's who are currently second in the league.

They have a powerful squad with a hard pack linking with strong skilful backs, and they are the best team Brentwood have met this season.

For Brentwood, sponsored this season by Magnus, there were positive points from the match, including the commitment, the strong all-round tackling performance and the promise of Van Rodyan and Gibson in the backs.

It was a hard day for the club but better times will come, especially when players, currently unavailable, return to the squad.

Brentwood: White, Webster (Phillips), Church, Gibson, Harding, Van Rodyan, Coombes, Kirby, Brooks, Goodin (Shales), Williams, Killington, Metcalf, Pain and Fowley.

Brentwood's next match is this Saturday at home to Finchley (London 2N) (kick off 2.15pm).

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