Reading II 0 - Bracknell Stags 50

Following another break in the league fixture program last week there was a slight concern that the Stags would be slow to get out the blocks and to build on the previous weeks resounding win over Buckingham by 72-0.

They were to face local rivals Reading who are always a tough team to break down and that proved to be the situation for the first half of this local derby and it was eerily similar to the home fixture earlier in the season where Bracknell pulled away during a second half improvement to end up winners 40-19 with the score line not reflecting the closeness of the game in reality.

The Stags team where showing some changes with the likes of Barry Dwyer returning from injury being asked to play out of position at Fullback and with the unavailability of skipper James Gant and Vasa Bai and Ben Yates up with the 1’s this gave opportunity for other players to put their hand up for selection going into the final six games or so as we push for the League Title.

Ball retention issues and composure in key areas was the story of the half, where had it not been for some simple mistakes the Stags probably could have killed this game off a lot sooner, however when we did fire we looked as good as we have all season, some very good ball from the hard working pack and some slick handling from Jack Conway at 9, George Elliott at 10 and the ever present Andy Slade ended with a good try in the corner for the first of Richard Brembers 3 tries on the day and who’s strike rate has been 6 tries in two games only goes to show how effective we are when we play to space! The rest of the half was pretty even until Jamie Rudkin (mom) showed some classy handling to show and go from just outside the Reading 22 for a fine try after some good sustained forward pressure both tries converted by the trusty boot of George Elliott HT 0-14

The team “chat” at half time was more a gentle reminder of the standards we set ourselves in this squad and that these are the games that we must always dominate in and not allow other teams or refs interpretation of the rules of scrum engagment to influence the outcome…..point made and taken on board.

The second half was made up of a performance that anyone who watches the Stags will smile at and be more comfortable with. Forwards dominated set piece and gained yard after yard and with much better ball retention and set up at the ruck which in turn allowed the backs to run riot. Nathan Crow again leading from the front and with Jamie Rudkin being his typical abrasive self backed up by Ricky Frost and well all of the pack putting in a shift, this proved too much for the Reading pack that was systematically dismantled as the half went on.

Barry Dwyer moved into 9 and his partnership with Jack Conway moving to 10 (who it has to be said always looked comfortable on the ball and impressed) proved to be too much for the Reading backs and the Stags handling all round created some very well worked tries for Simon Bayliss, Barry Dwyer, and Richard Brember (2) all of which were mid to long range plays and finally a good reward for Paddy Haddad ended the scoring with a good individual effort after returning to the Squad from a long lay off due to injury, cant remember how many but most were converted again by George Elliott, final score 0-50

So in summary a great second half which preps us well for the visit of Henley to Lily Hill Park next week, the math all points to us having to win that and then the crunch match the following week at Maidenhead (the only league loss this season) and whilst we will not and never should take Henley for granted the added spice of going to Maidenhead to win the title is clear to all and we would really like a lot of support at that game…..to end the season league title there!

Bracknell Stags: 1. Nick Ovens 2. Jasper Miranda 3. Gareth Staples 4. Ryan Noakes 5. David Abbott 6. Nathan Crow 7. Jamie Rudkin 8. Ricky Frost (C) 9. Jack Conway 10. George Elliott 11. Richard Brember 12. Andy Slade 13. Mike Eastwell 14. Simon Bayliss 15. Barry Dwyer Subs: 16. Stuart Laye 17. Paddy Haddad 18. Tim Hipgrave