Bracknell Stags 40 - Reading II 19

Rugby matches are won and lost in the mind, as much as by physical deed, and this was a great example.

Bracknell Stags approached this game on the back of a substantial win away to Buckingham 2's and a 5-0 win loss ratio. Complacency was always going to be the Stags biggest hurdle, against a strong and physical Reading XV.

On a wet and sticky pitch, Reading dominated the early encounters, and in particular the first two scrums which were taken against the head. This dominance put Bracknell on the back foot from the outset. Reading, turned this pressure in to points - from a centre field scrum, attacking right from the base two simple passes put the Reading winger in for the first converted score after 6 minutes.

Readings dominance of the close encounters continued, and the Stags discipline and patience was tested. This resulted in Man of the Match David Abbott taking one for the team, receiving his marching orders for a 'team yellow'... Reading again made the most of their dominance with an unconverted try, they now lead 12-0 after 24mins.

Having been knocked out of their stride, the Stags slowly began to put some phases together, and looked like the League Champions elect that they potentially are (Henley will beg to differ). This pressure resulted in a snipping run from Barry Dwyer who crossed the line on the right, converted by Ben Nowak.

However, the Stags inconsistency returned. Led by the McNaughton boys Ashley and Tim (playing their first game against a Bracknell XV) Reading crossed the line once again leaving a simple conversion for the Reading fly half. Reading leading 7-19 at half time. The Stags had a hill to climb.

At half time the Bracknell team were reminded that good sides are patient when it's not clicking, absorbing pressure and never doubting that if they can play their patterns for sustained periods, their extra fitness and superior core skills would prevail. This was to be the case.

Almost immediately, Bracknell hit their straps, and built some strong phases of play, culminating with substitute Simon Bayliss racing in to the right hand corner. Ben Nowak converted.

The Stags pressure was building, suffocating the opposition and Reading were reduced to 14 for continual infringements giving the Stags further reason to be optimistic as their form returned. Richard Brember finished off another multi-phase passage of play sprinting in on the left, levelling the scores at 19-19. Ben Nowak continued his form with the boot, converting from wide out to take the lead for the first time on 56 minutes.

It was now clear that Stags greater fitness levels was starting to prove decisive, but it was the Stags improving mindset that had proved the catalyst for change in the second half.

On 68 minutes, Chris Brember emulated his brothers efforts on the right, Ben Nowak converted again.

Regular changes had been made and the bench players began to shine. The Stags continuity in worsening conditions was impressive, and so was the deft chip ahead, by Ben Radford who collected his own kick on the bounce to score his first senior try at BRFC. So after 73 minutes Bracknell were clear and worth the win on the balance of play. But the scoring didn't finish there as Jasper Miranda completed the 'perfect' second half display with a barnstorming run to crash over. Ben Radford converted to secure a 40-19 win.

Reading will not be underestimated in the return fixture, as their 1st half performance was 1st class.

So what did this win prove? That there is strength in depth with 5 players in the 18 promoted from last weeks 3rd XV and that to be a quality rugby player/team you need 3 things to perform, strong core skills, physical fitness and mental strength. Perhaps the last of the 3 is the most Important, if the minds are not in gear early on, tough games can become hard to win, as it is extremely difficult to change your mindset during a game. The Stags managed to do this today, and that is a very good sign.

Well done boys...

Bracknell: 1. Gareth Staples 2. Simon Brambley 3. Jasper Miranda 4. David Abbott 5. Ryan Noakes 6. Ben Pilgrim 7. Ricky Frost 8. James Wright 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Ben Nowak 11. James Gant (C) 12. Nathan Mannering 13. Chris Brember 14. Richard Brember 15. Gavin Edgar Subs: 16. Simon Bayliss 17. Robbie Wright 18. Ben Radford