THE Old Brentwood Acorns started their 2015 schedule with a thumping 20-10 win over Ilford Wanderers in the U15s Essex Youth League division three.

Ilford started stronglywith their larger forwards and backline all making strong runs into the Acorns defence.

The tackling from the start was good and the Old Brentwood side soaked up several minutes of pressure in their 22 before James Sullivan went on a run from his own 22 and outpaced all the home defenders to score under the posts.

This seemed to lift the visitors and soon after another long run in fromTim Mason extended the score. Ilford again pressed the Acorns tryline and on half time scored to change the team talks.

In the second half it was the Acorns’ turn to pressure Ilford and another run from fullback Sullivan saw the score soon at 5-15. The Acorns’ much smaller pack were coping well in the scrummage with some strong defence around the fringes.

In the final quarter of the match the Acorns worked hard to attack and prop Harry Haynes found himself in space and half the pitch to run. He sprinted off towards the corner for the final score of the match.