It didn’t reach the highs of last season but it was a vast improvement on last week’s opener at Old Cents so Bracknell at least deserves a pat on the back. I know that’s a horrible pun but I promise there will be worse to come. An error strewn performance might be just a touch too far but there is certainly room for improvement and that bodes well for the rest of the season for a Bracknell side that has to play “catch up “after a poor start.

It might also be a tad unfair to the visitors to say that there was almost no doubt of the outcome from the start but it wasn’t long before Bracknell scored their first points – 1 minute to be precise – and they then slowly but surely opened up a 17 – 0 lead by half time without really putting everything together. Dynamic but sometimes frenetic passages of play which lead to errors and turnovers prevented Bracknell from imposing complete dominance

A penalty from Owain Davies (yes, he is Welsh) on his home debut for Bracknell was the first reward for early pressure. A 12th minute try by skipper Nico Maybury (yes, we did miss him last week) eased the home supporter’s nerves and a fine individual try on his home debut for Giuseppe Salustri (yes, another home debut) was fair return for Bracknell’s superiority over their opposition in the first half.

What with Owain Davies’s cultured boot adding the extra points on both occasions the first half was in Bracknell’s control. Half time score Bracknell 17 – Old Pats 0
If Rory still has the crumpled notes from his half time team talk I hope he will see fit to tread them into the carpet of the next bar he finds himself in because whatever was said either didn’t hit the mark or the side wasn’t listening.

If the Old Pat’s coach still has his – just hang on to them for a while! Within one minute of the restart the visitors had scored their first try and 2 minutes later they had scored their second. The only thing of note that happened between the two tries was that the conversion was missed – as was the second attempt - the only reason Bracknell’s lead remained at a respectable margin – but the game was back on again.

Bracknell opened up the gap with a penalty 10 minutes later from Owain Davies but this was more than nullified by a penalty from the visitors which came as a result of persistent line pressure thwarted only by a yellow card infringement for replacement Matt Brambley.

With the home side seven points up but a player down the game could have gone either way;- and Old Pats certainly played their part in a fine open running spectacle. My guess is that it was the home side’s superior fitness that played allowed them to take control because despite being a man down Bracknell scored their 3rd try shortly after through top class finisher George Owen and the crucial bonus point 4th try 10 minutes later through the illusive stepping Joe Price. With both tries being backed up by the trustworthy boot of Owain Davies Bracknell’s win was sealed. Final score Bracknell 34 – 13 Old Patesians.

Bracknell – Jonny Mirza, Stuart Silvester, Ken Dowding, Kim Plant, Leo Bailey, Giuseppe Salustri, Pete Austin, Nico Maybury (C), Jack Conway, Joe Price, Ian Burch, Stuart Mackay, Chris Brember, George Owen, Owain Davies. Subs – Matt Brambley, Daniel Antonelli, Kenny Barry (all played)

Pete’s Predictions
At least some of last week’s guesses (I mean predictions) still hold out…
Bracknell are already higher up the league than last week and I expect them to end up higher still (eventually if not immediately)

Exmouth still look like a side to watch for and Bournemouth and Chard still look like they need to watch out!

Following season opening home game losses, both Old Redcliffians and Weston-super-Mare have nabbed good away wins so things have taken a turn for the better in both camps
Following Hornets maiden Level 5 win they can pass last week’s “should not be discouraged” mantle onto Barnstaple who have had the nightmare start of ‘Gensians away followed by Exmouth at home. Things can only get better for “Barum” and I am sure that they will

Promotion candidates? Exmouth and Redingensians

Relegation worries? Bournemouth and Chard look like they need to watch out!

Having played Old Cents and Old Pats it’s away at Old Reds for Bracknell next week. Please make the effort and make the journey – the boys will appreciate you being there. Kick-off is 3.00pm unless anyone tells you differently.

GO BRFC