Follwoing the end of the league season Brentwood played their penultimate game against Thurrock, in a friendly at King Georges, on Saturday, a fixture dating back to the 1930s.

Thurrock have had an uncomfortable ride in recent seasons and currently reside in London 1, one league above Brentwood.

Due to the atrocious weather, driving rain and a biting wind, it was never going to be an attractive game to watch for the small number of spectators who ventured out of the clubhouse.

However, both teams tried hard to play open rugby with a strong commitment shown by both sides to secure this friendly game.

Brentwood, with many players side-lined with injuries or unavailable, took the opportunity to field an experimental side with an emphasis on youth.

The first half with Thurrock playing downhill with wind and rain was mainly an examination of Brentwood's defence.

Despite being under pressure at times, great spirit and determination kept Thurrock's score to two tries in the first period.

The first try was scored by Thurrocks open-side wing-forward following a scrum near Brentwood's line.

The second try was shrouded in controversy as the referee, who otherwise had officiated well, appeared unsighted when giving Thurrock a penalty for a line-out offence.

From the following line-out Thurrock's pack took the ball over the line for a converted try and at half time it was 14-0 to the visitors.

With the rain behind them Brentwood constantly threatened Thurrock's line in the second half but were unable to score other than from a penalty by merit and a close fought game was edged by Thurrock 14-3.

The visitors just deserved their win although there was little to choose between the teams, except Thurrock had two or three players who could break a defence.

For Brentwood, youngsters Cash, Askew and Webster showed promise and should be an asset for the first team squad next season.

J.D. Bell played his last game for the team and will be missed for his non-stop commitment.

The team, captained by Killington, in the absence of the injured Metcalf, gave a good account of themselves against Division One opponents and 'man of the match' was Simon McConnell.

Playing at fly-half he gave a passionate display varying his options with great aplomb.

He showed skill at all aspects of the half-back's game and there is no doubt he should play in a more attacking role next season.

With his skills he would make an admirable full back.

Brentwood: Kirby, Brook, Taylor, Killington (c), Steggles, Day, Williams, Cash, Hillier, McConnell, Askew, Church, Gibson, Webster, and Merit.

Brentwood RFC is touring Gloucester at Easter and their last match of the season is at home on Saturday, April 29 at 3pm.

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