The Bracknell teamsheet caused the Shelford tannoy announcer problems in pronouncing some of the names listed (you would have though better of a university town!!). It was the actual Bracknell players that were to cause Shelford team even more problems in the opening stages. Playing up the slight slope and into the breeze, Bracknell controlled the early exchanges and a Lewis Dennet penalty saw Bracknell take the lead.

With further Bracknell possession, a catch and drive from a line out allowed Leo Bailey to score in the corner. Try converted by Lewis Dennet. 10 nil to Bracknell.

Bracknell continued to control possession however the warning signs were there. A Bracknell turnover allowed Shelford winger Andrew Scott to score under the Bracknell posts with almost their first sortie into Bracknell territory.

A period of scrappy play followed which the larger Shelford pack eventually took control of allowing second row Scott Jackowski to score from a catch and drive. Conversion was missed but Shelford had their nose in from for the first time in the game.

Although Bracknell continued to go through the phases a great break by Shelford No 8 Aki Lea and some deft interplay with other backrower Jamie Beswick meant Andrew Scott scored under the posts. Conversion was kicked.

From the kick off Bracknell pressed further. This pressure saw Andrew Scott sent to the sin bin. Bracknell just missing the resultant penalty kick. Bracknell were unable to benefit from the man advantage and it was Shelford that extended their lead with a try just before half time. Score at half time 26-10.

Any half time plans made must have needed to be readdressed within a minute of the start of the second half. A dropped ball by Bracknell allowed winger Andrew Scott score under the Bracknell posts conversion kicked by Tom Jackson.

Bracknell responded almost immediately, with a try from the returning George Milligan latching on to a pass from skipper Jonny Mirza, following one of his numerous clean breaks of the afternoon. Conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennet. 33-17.

With 47 minutes gone the slim hopes of a Bracknell comeback where extinguished when centre Daniel Faamatuainu, received a red card from referee Sam Brown for an alleged high tackle. Even a number of Shelford supporters commenting that the decision was ‘harsh’.

Strangely enough Bracknell continued to enjoy most of the territory and possession but with a man down on the large Shelford pitch, the Shelford incisive counter attacks meant Shelford scored further tries from the now free scoring winger Andrew Scott (x2) and full back Tom Jackson.

With a minute left on the clock there was just enough time for Shelford skipper James Kellard to receive a yellow card.

Full time score Shelford 52 – Bracknell 17 (Points: Shelford 5 Bracknell 0).

Bracknell now face Hertford (KO 2pm) at home next Saturday but not before the RWC kicks off on Friday. The clubhouse will be showing the England v Fiji game so please come down and enjoy the game with us.

Special mentions must go to the Stags who had a good win against Reading II, with 10+ current or past Academy Colts players in the side. The 3XV also enjoyed a great win at home 38 nil against Wallingford II’s. Well done to both teams.

Pete’s Predictions

For those of you who followed my rather vague and non-specific predictions over the last couple of seasons while Bracknell achieved consecutive 3rd places in National League South West, I’m grateful that you could be bothered to follow my ramblings again - so welcome you back. To first time readers of Pete’s Predictions who follow the London & SE Division league I welcome you with the request that you don’t take this comment too seriously!

Several cliché’s spring to mind such as – “It’s far too early in the season to make any predictions” and “It’s not over until the fat lady sings” but these are just excuses for those who are not prepared to make a fool of themselves – so here I go…..

Just one last proviso – Bracknell have played many more seasons in South West leagues than they have in London leagues. My paper thin understanding of London Leagues will, I’m sure, be readily apparent from the outset and I doubt it will improve greatly as the season unfolds….

Promotion candidates.
Just like the league table I can’t separate the top 4, but I do have the advantage of having seen Shelford play this week. Even though it is a reasonable expectation, not all sides that drop down a league can expect to be title contenders the following season and bounce straight back up. It’s worth noting that the 2 sides who suffered the drop from National League 2 South into South West Leagues (Dings and Lydney) have managed just one win from four so far this season. Shelford however, from what I saw today, will be serious contenders for promotion and all the signs are that Juddians will be up there with them

Win of the week.
The criteria for “Win of the week” are for example away wins, beating opposition placed higher in the league and winning games against fellow promotion or relegation battlers but this doesn’t exclude a plain and simple hammering of the opposition. There are only 2 rules…. 1/. I’m the judge and ….. 2/. The judge is the final arbiter

This week, simply because it’s the biggest number out there……. Win of the week goes to Tonbridge Juddian. Congratulations to them on the understanding that they are not allowed to get anywhere near that sort of score when they next play at home.

Relegation worries.
I find it just a little bit surprising that after 2 games, there are still 6 sides in the league who have not yet clocked up a single point. With the mighty Bracknell being one such side I can understand that it’s all quite possible. My guess after only 2 games gone, and it’s not a great stretch of the imagination, is that none of these 6 will feature in the promotion race and that the relegation candidates are all in this (currently) unhappy group of 6.

“So what” I hear you say…… so I’ll go a bit further. Eton Manor are my first candidates for the drop while Bracknell along with Wimbledon will survive. That won’t make me many friends in Nutter Lane which in itself seems an unwise thing to do but there it is. Roll on next week when things may get a little clearer.

Go BRFC!!!!

Bracknell: 1:Jonny Mirza ( C) 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Matt Brambley 4:Kim Plant 5.Josh Kronman6:Leo Bailey 7:Tom Devereux 8:Lachlan Valentine 9:Jack Conway 10:Lewis Dennet 11:Stuart Mackay 12:Daniel Faamatuainu13:Chris Brember 14:Ian Burch 15:Vasa Bai Subs: Rob Baragwanth, George Milligan, Tony Lawless