Bracknell U16 Girls Shine Bright on Rainy Day, Up to Second Place in League Standings After Commanding Performance

The persistent rain that confined most fans to the bar during the warm-up ceased just before kickoff, signalling a promising start to what evolved into a thrilling afternoon of rugby action. Bracknell, buoyed by recent victories over Maidenhead and Winchleigh, sought to maintain their formidable home record against a combined Didcot, Wallingford, and Newbury side.

The visitors initiated proceedings with an early surge, forcing a scrum and, through multiple phases, notched up the first points of the match. Bracknell, however, swiftly retaliated as Molly, seizing an opportunity off a scrum, strategically kicked deep into enemy territory. Eva's pursuit, evading a lone defender, culminated in a try beneath the posts, with Molly securing the extra two points for a 7-5 lead.

Despite a brief pause to retrieve the ball "gracefully" from the undergrowth, the match resumed, and the combined side responded promptly, capitalising on a turnover to score their second, leading 7-10. Bracknell mirrored their earlier success for the second try, a deep kick from a scrum followed by Georgia's turnover, a run into open space, and Eva's second try, bolstered by Molly’s precise conversion for a 14-10 advantage.

End-to-end action characterised the first half, with Bracknell conceding a third try (14-15) but valiantly defending against repeated attempts to breach their lines, but ultimately not from a tap-and-go on the 5m line. Regaining the lead, Bracknell orchestrated a sequence of play initiated by Evie and Lily, with Amelia's decisive run through opponents setting up Isla's try. Molly’s conversion extended the lead to 21-15.

Bracknell's momentum surged further as the forwards stole the ball from an attacking line-out, Lily propelling it into enemy territory, and Emma ultimately crossing the line in the corner for a 28-15 advantage. Both teams added another try before halftime, with a Bracknell scrum on the 5m line resulting in Ima taking the short side to touchdown, bringing the score to 35-15, courtesy of Molly’s flawless 7-for-7 conversions in the first half.

In the dying moments of the half, the opposition executed a quick tap-and-go, securing their fourth and final try, narrowing the halftime margin to 35-20.

Bracknell displayed sheer dominance in the second half, scoring an impressive seven additional tries. Eva's early try-saving tackle set the tone, and Molly's deep kick, chased by Ceri and finished by Jess, extended the lead to 40-20.

Eva's clean catch from the kickoff, coupled with Macy and Elizabeth's setup for Evie, brought the score to 45-20. Despite the opposition's persistent efforts, the Bracknell forwards, with a catch-and-drive from a defensive line out and Penny smashing through the opposition, paved the way for Lily's first of two tries, making it 52-20.

The match concluded officially at 59-20, after another assist from Elizabeth set up Lily’s second of the afternoon. However, thanks to the opposition coach's willingness to play out the remaining minutes, Bracknell continued to shine. Róisín's involvement in a couple of phases in close succession preceded Maddie's run and score (66-20). Eva secured an easy third try, receiving the ball at kickoff and scoring from just outside the Bracknell 22 (73-20).

The match might have seen more scores from Macy or Emma if not for ‘sir’ calling time at 73-20 (officially recorded score: 59-20). It was a well-rounded team performance, with the combined Didcot, Wallingford, and Newbury side recognising Lily as Bracknell’s player of the match, and Evie receiving the coach's choice award.

Director of Rugby, Damon Evans, emphasised the team's potential and the learning opportunities from the game, noting, "This team has huge potential, and by watching these games, you can learn and understand what didn't work and what we can do differently in the next game."

With this victory and Trojans defeating last year's league winners (32-17), Bracknell now sit in second place behind Trojans, poised for success in the remainder of the season. COYBG!

John Irwin

Squad:
Amelia
Ceri
Elizabeth
Emily
Emma
Eva
Evie
Georgia
Ima
Isla
Jess
Lily
Macy
Maddie
Molly Ca
Molly Cu
Penny
Róisín

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