Last Saturday Billericay, looking to kick on from their big win last time out against Writtle, travelled to Millwall for a tough game in awful weather conditions of wind and rain. Billericay, sitting in 2nd place in the league, and Millwall sitting in 3rd place, both carrying some frustration following narrow losses to league leaders Stanford RFC in the last couple of weeks, meant that this was tee’d up be a real battle with both teams looking to prove a point.

Billericay won the toss and opted to play into the wind first half, looking to keep things tight in the first 40. They had a lot of possession in the first 20 mins, but due to the strength of the wind, struggled to make it out their own 22, kicking didn’t seem to be much of an option, even opting for scrums from penalties awarded.

Millwall managed to put together a good run of phases and eventually managed to get over the line with some good carries off 9 at around the 20 minute mark, 7-0 to the hosts. Play continued in the same fashion for the rest of the first half, huge credit to the boys for the brave defensive sets on their own line, but Millwall managed to string together some good play to cross over again and make the score 14-0. Given the conditions, and the fact that roughly 35/40 mins of the first half were played in that quarter of the field, Billericay were pleased to have stayed within 2 scores, and feeling confident going into half time.

The second half started with a massive kick off from full back James Wright, using the wind to send the ball into the clouds, with good pressure from the chase forced an error from Millwall and Billericay had a Scrum on their 5 metre line. The Scrum dominance continued from the first half, the pack managed to walk the ball over the line, meaning BRFC Captain Matt Clow only had to dot down over the line for the first try making it 14-7. Millwall defended well for a period, utilising a range of kicks, creating a tough contest in the air. Billericay were patient and at around the 65 minute mark, with a series of half breaks, gain line carries and use of the wide channels from the boys, Captain Matt Clow crossed over the line again for his second score of the match. A fantastic conversion from the corner from James Wright, put the scores level at 14-14 with 15 minutes to play.

The kicking masterclass from James Wright continued, with BRFC opting for kicks at goal for the next 2 penalties to give Billericay the victory 14-20 and James Wright claiming a well-deserved Man of the Match award. Massive shoutout to the Billericay supporters who made the journey in the wind and the rain, and thanks to hosts Millwall for a great game in the tough conditions.

Our next game is at home to Kings Cross Steelers on Saturday 14th December, where we look to overcome the draw from earlier in the season.