Brentwood's game on Saturday was meant to have been a rearranged fixture with visitors Southend for the game cancelled on January 20, due to the icy condition of the pitch.

However, the League's organisers deemed that as all the League's matches were cancelled on that day, the fixtures should be arranged for a date in March.

With the Southend match cancelled, Brentwood travelled to London 2 South Club Sevenoaks where a side of first and second team players beat a home second team 42-3.

This weekend, Brentwood face a stern challenge at home to Chingford.

The fixture in September saw the home team giving Brentwood a torrid time, winning 39-8.

This is the only occasion this season that Brentwood have been soundly beaten and they will be keen to put up a much better show.

In the last fixture Brentwood suffered badly against a strong Chingford pack, ably led by their powerful number eight.

However since that game Brentwood's pack have gained in strength and confidence and a close result is anticipated.

With the match at home and a large crowd forecast, skipper Metcalfe is looking for a win.

Brentwood are currently fifth in the League after a disastrous start which at one time left them languishing in bottom position.

Hard work by playing club coach Brindle and his assistants, Tierney, Hillier, Mostyn and Hayter have brought dividends.

The team are now playing a total game of rugby with the pack and backs combining well.

The appearance of Cappaert and more recently Reynolds have given the back line a maturity of options, lacking in recent seasons.

As a result of the backs' dramatic improvement McConnal and the wings have been able to score tries on a regular basis, as witnessed at Rochford.

The forwards are now playing to their form of last season with the effort from the front row being something special.

With constant injury problems this season the front row, led by Brook, have continually given the pack a stable platform in the tight.

In regaining a respectable position in London NE3 League, Brentwood are undefeated since November 18, having won five mattches and drawing one in that period.

To measure their performance at a higher level Brentwood have only to wait till Sunday, February 18 when they entertain Barking in the first round of the Eastern Counties Cup.

The visitors are currently fourth in National League Third Division South and will be stiff opponents.

With the season now into its second half Brentwood is still welcoming new members. The club runs four teams each week and an occasional veterans team, while the youth section of the club remains strong with teams ranging from under seven to under 17.

Interested newcomers should contact the club on Saturdays or turn up for training at 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at King George Playing Fields. New youth players should turn up on Sundays at 10.30am.

Don Eddy is proceeding with the organisation of the Black Tie Dinner to be held in September 2002 to celebrate the reforming of the club after the war. With a strong line-up of after-dinner speakers Don reminds all members past and present that he has only 220 tickets to offer.

With bookings coming in from all over the UK and from as afar as South Africa and Canada, tickets will be difficult to obtain nearer the time, so the advice is to telephone Don on 01277 653219 for ticket details.

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