After the mauling that Brentwood had suffered at the hands of Barking in the Eastern Counties Cup the previous week Brentwood displayed a lot of character when they not only lifted their game but in so doing ensured that they are safe from relegation.

Kicking off down the slope OV's took the opening session by storm when inside centre Stokes scored close to the posts after a display slick interchanges with his flyhalf. The conversion gave the visitors a seven point lead after only three minutes.

Through attrition Brentwood moved into the visitor's half before a penalty by Kennedy from 30 metres opened their score after 15 minutes.

Although the OV pack were able to push Brentwood back in the set pieces, things were more even in the rucks and mauls where both sides suffered turnovers.

Both defences were up to their tasks but, with the Brentwood lineouts working well, the balance of possession and territory tipped in Brentwood's favour.

The try lines were hardly threatened although Brentwood came close when Stephens recovered a loose ball just inside their half and it was moved through hands to Harding wide out on the left.

He made 35 metres before being hauled down just short of the line. Kennedy added another penalty after thirty minutes.

Just before half-time Verulamians made their first excursion close to the try line since their opening score.

Within five metres of the line they lost the advantage of their scrum ball when Bywater stole it as it came out.

Miller picked up his pass and with no width to play with he made a vital ten metres before Metcalfe was on hand to add another ten metres with a clearance to touch.

The competitiveness of the game was maintained at the start of the second half.

Brentwood, with the advantage of the slope, were able to encroach further into the visitor's half.

Early charges by Shaw, making his first start of the season, and Killington took them close to the line but without the support to finish things off with a score.

OVs were unable to make any real headway into Brentwood's 22 and could only add to their score with a penalty against the run of play with ten minutes to go.

Brentwood's reaction was swift and decisive. A well judged chip down the blind side by Bywater was picked up by Harding and with Lee close at hand Brentwood were able to keep the ball alive as they ran it through several hands before Shaw scored wide on the left.

Kennedy converted to take Brentwood into the lead for the first time, and they controlled the final eight minutes of an entertaining game.

This was one of those games that so often in the past Brentwood have let slip away, this time they achieved the result which they deserved.

Their central defence coped well to snuff out the potential threat which was displayed so clearly at the open of the game by their opposite numbers.

Brentwood's lineout work showed significant improvement relative to recent performances.

On Saturday Brentwood entertain Stockwood Park from Midlands League 2 in a friendly at King George's (kick off 3pm).

Elliott Shaw, who was among the Brentwood scorers on Saturday.

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