Braintree Rugby Club may have extended their losing run to eight games, but their performance against unbeaten London League division two north east table-toppers Norwich has given reason for hope.

The Norfolk side won 29-5 at Robbs Wood but it was a scoreline that flattered the visitors as Braintree’s players put in the type of display to suggest they deserve to stay up this year.

Joint head coach Brian Joslin said: “We had to make four changes in the backs and three in the scrum due to injuries and work commitments but it was such an improved performance.

“We actually looked like a side who deserved to be in the same division as Norwich and were it not for handling errors in the first half the scoreline would have been a lot closer.

“The performance gave everyone hope for the rest of the season, and Norwich certainly knew they’d been in a game.

“The lads gave their all and left it on the pitch.

“Craig Douglas made his debut at prop and was outstanding.

“We couldn’t have asked for more from the boys.”

Braintree will be hoping for a repeat performance today when they travel to Brentwood to face division two north east newcomers Campion.