Braintree Rugby Club’s battle-weary troops will be hoping 2015 brings them a much-needed change in fortunes as they slumped to their 12th successive defeat of a thus-far catastrophic season.

With nearly 100 people attending the last pre-match lunch of the year and two of their main sponsors in attendance the pressure was on to put on a show in Braintree’s last London League division two north east fixture of the year against Enfield Ignatians.

And although they customarily threw their all into another closely-fought encounter, the late withdrawal of key players through illness and injury left them with a mountain to climb and they ended up losing 33-14.

Joint coach Brian Joslin said: “We can’t wait to see the back of 2014 if we’re honest.

“This was a similar story to previous weeks in that we had major selection difficulties due to injuries and work commitments, plus a couple of late withdrawals on Saturday morning due to illness.

“We were still two players short an hour before kick-off and were forced to press-gang two ex-players who were due to be attending the pre-match lunch!

“It was an achievement just being able to put a side on the park and fulfil the fixture and I can't fault effort of our players, a lack of match fitness and structure proving the main difference between the two sides.

“Reece Lane at flanker worked tirelessly all game, John Smillie carried the ball well at all times, as did Neil Fitzearle, and everyone gave their all.

“Let’s just hope we can put what has been so far a dreadful season behind us and kick-start our campaign in early 2015.”