Bracknell 32 - Hertford 19

It is with thanks from the Committee that the volunteers enjoyed the second of the BRFC volunteer lunches hoping that Bracknell would record their first win of the season. They were not to be disappointed, Bracknell recording a win over Hertford for the first time.

The game did not start well for Bracknell Ian Birch receiving a yellow card with just 10 minutes on the clock. Herford unable to take advantage of their man advantage.

Back to 14 men Bracknell opened the scoring with a try from Simon Bayliss following some Bracknell pressure in the Hertford half.

Bracknell’s lead did not last long. Hooker Brent McNanee scoring for Herford from a catch and drive from a lineout in the Bracknell 22. Conversion was kicked by Joseph Murphy.

Bracknell were awarded a penalty for offside which was kicked by fly half Lewis Dennet

Herford extended their lead with a try from scrum half Michael Sargent following some poor tackling from Bracknell. The conversion hitting the post and rebounding out meaning the score at half time was 8-12.

Into the second half and the old adage “it’s a game of two half’s” proved to be correct, Bracknell controlling most to the territory and possession in the second half. An early Lewis Dennett penalty reduced Hertford’s lead to just one point, 11-12.

A great driving run by No 8 Lachlan Valentine allowed Bracknell wing Ian Birch to score. Conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennett. Bracknell had retaken the lead, a lead that they were not going to release.

Five minutes later Bracknell extended their lead with a try from Stuart Mackay following some great link-up play between the backs and forwards. Conversion licked by Lewis Dennett. 25-12

With 10 minutes remaining, a sublime pick up from man of the match Chris Brember allowed him to score Bracknell’s bonus point try. Conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennett.

Hertford scored a late consolation try through winger James Solomon which was converted by Joseph Murphy, but the day was Bracknell’s.

Full time score Bracknell 32 – Hertford 19 (Points: Bracknell 5 Herford 0)

Next week Bracknell are away at league leaders Tonbridge Juddian.

Bracknell 1:Jonny Mirza ( C ) 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Harry Challenor 4:Matt Brambley 5.Josh Kronman 6:Leo Bailey 7:Jamie Rudkin 8:Lachlan Valentine 9:Tony Lawless 10:Lewis Dennet 11:Simon Bayliss 12:Joe Price 13:Chris Brember 14:Ian Burch 15:Stu Mackay Subs Tom Devereux, Kim Plant, Ben Nowak

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 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!

It’s a bit tricky trying to make any meaningful predictions with so little evidence or previous season’s form to base one’s opinions on but those who know me will say that this has never stopped me before, so why should it now.

Promotion candidates:
There are still 3 sides with 100% records after 3 bonus points wins in very promising starts to the season for Tonbridge Juddian, Shelford and London Irish Wild Geese. Westcombe Park continue their strong but slightly less perfect start to the season to swap places with East Grinstead. With a long way to go these 2 sides remain in promotion contention in my opinion, but that’s about where I draw the line. While Guernsey has the greatest assistance from “home advantage” in the league I think there will be too many tough away games for them to be able to become one of the promotion contenders.

Win of the week:
As a reminder, 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. This week no-one got a thumping with the highest score being a mere 42 points. In previous weeks we have had an 82 and a 65, so we need to look elsewhere.

While the sides with ideas of promotion can’t afford to lose and those at the other end of the table need to take their opportunities when they can, there aren’t any true relegation or promotion battles yet – even though some of this week’s fixtures may prove to be significant.

We therefore need to consider away wins. There’s another reason for doing in that, rather unusually 5 of the 7 games resulted in wins for the side doing the travelling. There were a few predictable wins for the table toppers (Tonbridge, Shelford and LIWG) against early season strugglers so we’ve finally narrowed it down a bit.

This week, Win of the Week goes to Westcombe Park at East Grinstead. This was a good away win and one that might raise a few eyebrows while I think this may have given the home side’s promotion aspirations a bit of a setback. It’s early days yet however – as I need to keep reminding myself.

Relegation worries:
Only one side find themselves in the unenviable position of being pointless after 3 games but newly promoted Wimbledon shouldn’t lose heart just yet. With opening fixtures against Shelford, Hertford away and then Tonbridge, Wimbledon have a tough start to their first season at level 5 and I don’t suppose next week’s trip to the Channel Islands will give them much of a respite. Remember, if you get the tough games out of the way the games that follow should be “easier”.

You will not be surprised to read that I was thrilled with the Bracknell result not only because it was their first scalp in London leagues this season, or that that scalp was one of a side with 2 wins under their belts but also because it backs up my prediction last week that Bracknell would not be one of the then “pointless 6” that would be fighting the relegation battle towards the end of the season.

This is a tough league to be promoted into so it’s no surprise the new boys are grouped at the bottom. Having already mentioned Wimbledon’s tough start those around them, Eton Manor, Westcliff and Colchester need to make the very best of any opportunities that come their way. For Colchester, last season’s London 1 North champions, one such opportunity is only one week away as they play last season’s London 1 North runners up and playoff winners Eton Manor.

Go BRFC