Match Preview

Bracknell Academy XV 50 - 5 Aylesbury Colts
Much was learnt today at Lily Hill Park - The Bracknell squad was deeper in number than had been feared on Friday, executing the basics remains the Achilles heal, the Academy does have options in the midfield, some grunt & go forward makes all the difference and Gylo should clean his boots & polish his whistle more often (not bad after a heavy night!).
Facing a home squad of 24, Aylesbury arrived missing a few players and started the game with Oli Radford, Robbie Robson - and Jack Whitelaw kindly filling the gaps - the visitors starting the brightest, their direct approach proving effective in the early exchanges. A barrage of sizeable runners in a sustained period resulted in a penalty close to the Bracknell line - Scott Ellis drove over from close range and Billy Blundell-ward converted (!)
Beyond a few scything kick returns this was to be the highlight of the day for Aylesbury, who battled hard all day long, and were in the game until half time.
Bracknell attacks became sustained and well structured - marshalled well by Kieran Brown, Sam Spring looked sharp with a decent outside break, Danny Ramsey combative and illusive in the 12 shirt, the forwards industrious and Jack McGee snipping like the terrier he is.
But pressure wasn't turned into points, partly due to stout defence from Aylesbury, but in the main due to poor execution of the basics at critical times - passes went astray, balls to ground, balls lost in contact or left unprotected at the base of the breakdown and lateral running lines easily defended.
Nevertheless Bracknell reached half time 12-7 up thanks to Jack McGee fielding a deep kick and running it back before feeding Callum to run it in with an exquisite dummy and Danny Ramsey driving over in the corner following a quick tap from Jack. Ben Stevenson convert one from the touchline.
The talk at half time from Head Coach for the day Matt Turner, was for more commitment at the breakdown, focus on executing the basics well with greater intensity and physicality. Multiple changes were made, which can be disruptive, but today was definitive.
Bracknell opened the scoring with a searing run from deep by Callum Baker, who on this occasion stood the last man up with a balanced shimmy of the hips before accelerating away. Ben S converted.
The extra physicality of half time introductions, in particular Jamie Johnson, Liam Collins and Ross Brown now had Aylesbury on the back foot choosing to kick deep too often - Aljay Johnson snapped one such kick up near the halfway line and set off showing great guile, footwork and pace outstripped the cover defence before showing his strength by barging off in the corner. The conversion was missed.
The Bracknell dominance continued, and those basics so lacking in the 1st half were now on show. A midfield move between Kieran Brown and Sam Spring held the advancing defence, Sam found Callum Baker with a great pass to space allowing Callum to burst through a gap without breaking stride - race home again and Ben S converted.
The forwards continued to work hard, and create quick ball, allowing the backs to attack on the front foot and at pace. Kieran Brown found a gap and fed Sam Spring running hard, he moved the ball on to Billy Coles who exploded through the cover defence but was held up over the line. From the resultant 5m attacking scrums both Ross Brown and Aljay were held up - a rethink was required at the 3rd scrum, and the point of attack was obvious - Josh Knight, the human wrecking ball & recent addition to the field was sent up the middle - the score was inevitable and Ben S converted.
The Bracknell attacks continued, Aylesbury defence so committed now became fragmented - Slick hands from Sam S and Billy C released Josh into space and once again the result was inevitable. Ben converted.
The final action saw Joe Baker find a gap and delighted all with a Lin-bursting charge upfield, Liam Collins was on hand to spin out of a tackle and offload to Phil Harrigan to bulldoze over. Ben converted.
Whilst Bracknell won 50 - 7 this was the archetypal game of two halves and demonstrated that executing core skills will reap reward. The coaching team will need to work hard on improving some of the basic core skills going forward but it was great to see 24 lads playing in the green, gold and black whilst a large contingent of the squad represented Berkshire U18's against Surrey.
A huge thanks to Aylesbury who contributed well in a game were the final score didn't reflect their endeavour, commitment and skill but tired legs certainly didn't help their cause in the final quarter against a rampant Bracknell. Also, well done to Oli Radford, Robbie Robson and Jack Whitelaw for demonstrating all that is good about this wonderful game by agreeing to play for the opposition without a second thought.
P.s. Apologies to Liam Collins for giving his try last week to Ben Hallaways!!