Bracknell Under 14 Development Squad travelled to a chilly Winchetser RFC for a friendly fixture that provided entertainment and suspense for the entire pitchside.

Kicking into the sunshine, Bracknell started well, applying early pressure on the WInchester defensive line, gaining ground and enjoying much of the possession. Strong carries from Alex and Tawen in the forwards, and Finn B supplying the backs with quick ball, kept the phases flowing. Camping deep in the Winchester 22 Bracknell looked certain to score, but a rapid and effective jackal turned the ball over and the lads in green found themselves on the back foot.

Strong tackles from Bailey at fly half and Teddy in the centre halted any forward motion, as Winchester tried to spread the ball wide and inject some pace. Harry was doing his best Tom Curry impression at the breakdown, fighting for every ball and slowed the play well. Then the breakthrough came. From a penalty at the lineout, Bracknell mauled forward, before Tawen broke off and drove back three defenders to score. Alfie's conversion attempt just fell short, but Bracknell lead 0-5.

Cue a fightback from a fired up Windsor. Some slick hands and a burst of pace from the outside centre saw the metres get eaten up. A gap emerged and in ran the Winchester full back. Conversion missed and score levelled at 5-5. Bracknell were not going to take it lying down, and hit back hard. Winning the contact area and on top in all collisions, Bracknell created the overlap and floated the ball out wide, only for the pass to fall away and a knock on preventing a ceratin score. Half time ended with the scores level.

Off the restart, WInchester looked the stronger of the ttwo teams, forcing Bailey into multiple kicks form deep to releive the pressure. Strong follow up runs and superb defensive tackles slowed the advances from Winchetser, but Bracknell initially struggled to get out of their own half. Next up, Daniel put his head down and drove forward while TK got onto the ball and caused issues for Winchester. The pick and go working well, and Bracknell eventually found themselves back in the ascendency. A penalty in the corner was tapped and Alex barged over, regaining the lead for Bracknell. A tough conversion slipped wide, 5-10.

Winchester responded like in the first half. A quick tap and go by their fly half and a lovely miss pass ended up in the wingers arms, and depsite a brave effort from Austin, the ball was offloaded and Winchester dotted down to level the scores. This was to be one of the final acts of the game, as, shortly after the restart, a heavy injury to one of the Winchester players bought the game to a close.

A 10-10 draw reflecetd the closeness and ferocity of the fixture, with the Development squad showing some real improve from last week. Lots of positives and great takeaways for the lads in green, who as ever, left the field beaming with smiles.

Player of The Match was awarded to Bailey for his calm head and control in attack and determined effort in defence.