Strange as it may sound given their early season struggles – Weston-super-Mare (WsM) were aiming to get 3 wins in a row from their fixture with Bracknell this weekend. Having picked up a rack of important points in the last 3 games and seeing a light at the end of the relegation tunnel there was obviously a groundswell of optimism in the home stand that at half time looked to have good reason.

It was an unusual encounter however, with Bracknell dominating the open field and the home side seeming to dominate the scrums. While you have already worked out that it was a relatively free-scoring game you will get a far better understanding of how things unfolded when you hear that every single Bracknell point was scored by their backs and nearly all WsM’s points were scored by their forwards.

The first half of the game was quite typical – 2 penalties by George Owen, followed by tries by winger Ian Burch and fly half Joe Price – one converted by George Owen were almost equalled by 2 tries from the Weston No. 8 following scrummages close to the line with a penalty and a conversion thrown in. Half time 15-18

The lines of battle were drawn. Bracknell needed to keep the ball alive and throw it wide while WsM looked to keep it tight and muscle their way over from 5 metres.

At this point I have to nail my colours to the mast – so as an ex-Bracknell back I’m pleased to say that the side with the most expansive approach came out tops.

The second half saw Bracknell pull away on the score board with 2 tries apiece for winger George Owen and fullback Stuart MacKay – 3 converted by George Owen – against a penalty try from a scrum – a No. 8 try from a scrum and a ball thrown wide at last when it was all too late.
While the high fives go to the backs it must be understood that ample possession was secured by the forwards. As much as it was hard work in the scrummages – the Bracknell forwards more than held their own in all other aspects of forward play. Good ball from lineouts, rucks and mauls were what allowed the Bracknell backs to run the opposition ragged.

Final score – Weston-super-Mare 32 – Bracknell 45

Bracknell – Jonny Mirza, Stuart Silvester, Nick Ovens, Matt Brambley, Leo Bailey, Giuseppe Salustri, George Milligan (C), Nico Maybury, Barry Dwyer, Joe Price, Ian Burch, Ben Nowak, Chris Brember, George Owen, Stuart Mackay. Subs –, Ollie Taylor, Kim Plant, Sam Paine (all played)

Pete’s Predictions
Having been away for a while here’s a quick look back over the last 5 games – this week included – just to get my head around what’s been going on and to see who’s in form ….
P5 W5 L0 – Redingensians, Brixham
P5 W4 L1 – Exmouth, Bracknell
P5 W3 L2 – Hornets
P5 W2 D1 L2– Newton Abbot, Barnstaple
P5 W2 L 3 – Bournemouth, Weston-super-Mare, Old Redcliffians
P5 W1 L4 – Old Centralians, Oxford Harlequins, Old Patesians
P5 W0 L5 – Chard

Promotion candidates? 3 sides have dropped just one game with Gensians and Exmouth maintaining 100% home records but it’s Brixham with their 100% record on the road that stands out. Last season Brixham were a difficult side to beat at home but seemed to flounder on the road but this season they are a different kettle of fish. (sorry)

Win of the week? When your first home win of the season comes 10 games in and it’s an emphatic 33 point shutout against relegation rivals that’s cause for celebration. Well done Barnstaple!!!

Relegation worries? I reckon there are at least 7 sides still in the relegation mix with Bournemouth and Oxford Harlequins unable to feel comfortable yet. Can Chard’s recent recruitment make any difference? Recent loses against Bracknell and Hornets could hardly have been “target” fixtures but they need to beat their relegation rivals at the next opportunity to hold out any hope of survival

There’s not a full set of fixtures next week but there are a few “catch up” games – the pick of which is Redingensian’s v Brixham. A 100% home record plays a 100% away record so something’s gotta give….

Bracknell followers need to prepare for a bit of a “Groundhog Day” moment with our next game in 2 weeks’ time. Having just been to Weston-super-Mare this week - goddamit we’re back there again to face Hornets on Saturday 6th December. Expect to face a tougher task against the new kids on the Weston block!

GO BRFC