Braintree's first team opened the new season with an impressive victory at sun baked Colchester on Saturday.

With temperatures touching the 90s and a rock hard ground beneath their feet the new Braintree first string looked to have their work cut out against their old rivals from just down the A120.

But the forwards and backs gelled together well under the captaincy of Matt Wadforth, enabling 'Tree to start the last season of the old Millennium in victorious fashion.

Colchester put points on the board first with a neatly despatched penalty after the referee had penalised the visitors for a push.

Braintree pulled level on 15 minutes when South African fly-half Willy Castleman kicked over following an offside ruling.

Each side then added a penalty apiece within three minutes with Castleman, Braintree's newly appointed first team coach, on target.

The visitors then started to dominate Colchester thanks to the new front row prop pairing of Scotsman, Alastair Steele and Robert Howley.

After 25 minutes Paul Spilman rounded off a flowing move in the backs to put down for a try in the corner with Castleman converting to give 'Tree a 13-6 advantage.

Two minutes later Colchester levelled with a push over try before Mark Wadforth neatly collected his own chip forward and forced his way over the line on 33 minutes. Castleman again converted to give Braintree a 20-13 interval lead.

After the break, the first blood went to 'Tree as Darren Page dominated his way through after a breakaway from the scrum to cross the try line on 52 minutes.

Despite Colchester's efforts to get back into the game the boys from Beckers Green Road kept the upper hand and on 54 minutes, Michael Gaskill, intercepted a stray pass in his own half before sprinting into enemy territory to score try number four for 'Tree and establish a 30-13 lead.

The home side then capitalised on a quickly taken penalty to notch a try and conversion on 61 minutes to draw within ten points of their rivals.

Braintree threw on substitutes, Chris McCann and Les Walker, to add fresh impetus but Colchester notched two penalties to set up a tense finish before Castleman drove over to score a debut try four minutes from time to make the score 35-26.

Braintree were happy with the victory over their Essex neighbours in a game marked by frequent water intervals for the players which led to an incredible 55-minute second half.

Braintree's second string not outdone

BRAINTREE II 33

COLCHESTER II 7

Braintree's second string enjoyed a comfortable victory over their Colchester counterparts at Beckers Green Road on Saturday.

The home side went in 9-0 up at half time thanks to two penalties and a drop goal from Dean Ford.

After the break Braintree opened up with Ford notching two tries and conversions.

Stand-in skipper Simon Fookes and Chris Southgate also crossed the line with Colchester offering only a try and conversion in return.

Thirds turn the tables

COLCHESTER III 37

BRAINTREE III 5

Braintree were forced to field a side composed mainly of colts and fourth team players for Saturday's encounter, and they were outclassed by their hosts.

The visitors toiled hard to keep the half time score down and turned around just 10 points behind.

But Colchester's forwards had the beating of the Braintree pack and weak tackling enabled the home side to pile up the points.

Simon Harris scored 'Tree's consolation try after catching a Colchester back in possession and sprinting home from close range.

Andy Hett tackled strongly but found himself isolated too often as the hosts took advantage of a number of replacements to force home their dominance.

Braintree's ladies side, the Vixens, are looking for new recruits.

The Vixens train at the club every Monday evening and anybody who may be interested in joining, is invited to contact John on 07771-853930 for further details.

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