Bracknell U16 Girls: Dominant in Showdown Against Maidenhead

Bracknell took on Maidenhead in a friendly rugby match, on what felt like the first proper day of Autumn. Spectators and Bracknell's coaching staff wisely sought refuge on the sun-kissed Lily Hill side, while the press, photographers, videographers, and Maidenhead coaches occupied the opposite flank, avoiding the blinding low sun.

In a break from tradition, Bracknell, often labelled as slow starters, burst out of the gate with a newfound vigour, perhaps off the back of returning to winning ways in their final match of the previous Sunday’s Girls Festival Of Rugby. Bracknell's kick-off set the tone as Maidenhead fumbled the catch. Bracknell capitalised, winning the first scrum and swiftly delivering the ball to Isla on the right wing. Several errors from Maidenhead led to a series of scrums in Bracknell's favour, culminating with Eva touching down in the corner after excellent work by Molly, Isla, and Penny. Bracknell took the early lead at 7-0.

Maidenhead's kick-off veered left, their preferred direction for all restarts but one. This time, Bracknell experienced their own mishap, yet Maidenhead failed to take advantage. Instead, Bracknell's backs forced an error after Maidenhead attempted a clever move on the blindside. With knock-ons on both sides, Bracknell's relentless pressure forced more errors from Maidenhead. Bracknell's second try, scored by Elle, came from a turnover initiated by Lily, extending the lead to 12-0.

Although Bracknell ended the first period stronger, their efforts failed to further add to the scoreboard, despite notable contributions from Eva, Evie, and Amelia.

The game had to wait until the early stages of the second period for the first lineout. Maidenhead, seeking points, kicked for touch after Bracknell were penalised for not releasing. They won the lineout but couldn't breach Bracknell's defence. Eventually, Bracknell turned defence into attack, clearing their lines with a kick deep into Maidenhead's territory. Eva's chase, coupled with support from Lily and Amelia, resulted in Isla getting Bracknell's third try, elevating the score to 17-0.

Bracknell's fourth try arrived swiftly from the restart, with Molly sprinting the length of the field and making her conversion the easiest of the day. The score advanced to 24-0.

Maidenhead finally got on the scoreboard, first by kicking for an attacking lineout to enter Bracknell's half and eventually scoring under the posts after a quick tap and go, reducing the deficit to 24-7.

A restart deep into Maidenhead's territory, followed by a rapid chase, pinned Maidenhead in their own half. Bracknell capitalised on a turnover, and after numerous attacking phases and valiant Maidenhead defence, Eva and Lily combined for Lily's second try, closing the second period at 31-7.

During the second break, the Maidenhead coaches were overheard reminding their team of the importance of rucks and ball retention. Maidenhead returned with a stronger emphasis on rucking, but handling errors handed the ball back to Bracknell. A quick tap and go, finished by a powerful run from Amelia, extended Bracknell's lead to 38-7.

Imogen calmly handled the restart, but Bracknell found themselves pinned in their own half until a smart decision and a lengthy kick by Molly pushed Maidenhead back into their territory. A seventh try for Bracknell, scored by Zara, followed a knock-on by Maidenhead, with Bracknell winning the ensuing scrum, bringing the score to 45-5.

In contrast to Ireland's performance the previous evening, Maidenhead's sustained efforts throughout the match, particularly in the third period, yielded a deserved score, with the final try of the match from another tap and go in front of the posts. The final tally read 45-12.

This was a comprehensive and robust performance from the Bracknell team. They displayed determination from the start, maintained a high tempo, and delivered critical tackles when needed most.

Lily earned the Player of the Day title, with special recognition for standout performances and contributions from Evie and Isla as praised by the coaches. David and Joff shared the officiating between them, being fair to both teams, and players and parents were grateful to them for stepping up to the challenge. Go Bracknell!

John Irwin

Squad:
Amelia, Elizabeth, Elle, Emma, Eva, Evie, Georgia, Imogen, Isla, Jess, Katy, Lily, Molly Ca, Molly Cu, Penny, Róisín, Zara.:

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