From kick off it was Basingstoke who took the game to Bracknell. Forcing there way up field through some strong carries, Bracknell were soon in their own 22. Some stonewall defence, lead by crunching tackles from Max W, held firm until a penalty at the breakdown allowed the hosts to kick to the corner. The resulting move form the lineout landed in the hands of the inside centre who stepped his opposite man and touched down for the opening try. Bracknell responded quickly, determined to get back at Basingstoke. A great run of the play put the lads in green up the field and with a penalty at the breakdown won, Zabi’s superb kick, put Bracknell 5metres out with the lineout. A devastatingly effective maul drove forward, with Cam burrowing over to level the scores. Ten minutes later, Bracknell added a second. Captain Braxton gathering the ball in space and opened up his legs, arcing around the defence and dotting down for Bracknell’s second score. A well slotted conversion by Zabi, and Bracknell lead 5 to 12. In the final play of the half, Basingstoke hit back and used their big runners to force over from close range. Half time saw the narrowest of leads for Bracknell, two points up at 10 to 12.

The second half saw the tables turn. As Bracknell struggled to get back into the game, Basingstoke’s multiple substitutes took advantage. The fresh legs outpacing the tiring Bracknell players and three quick tries in eleven minutes saw the Basingstoke squad stretch into a 27 to 12 lead. Bracknell however, were never backing down. A lionheart defence, personified by a slamming tackle from Finn B who took on one of the biggest players of the pitch, showed real ambition and determination from Bracknell. Dominating at the scrum told, as George W picked up from the base at eight and powered through to score Bracknell’s third try. A cleanly slotted conversion closed the scores to 27 to 19. More injuries kept in for Bracknell, who saw the game out with 14 players on the pitch. Basingstoke used the overlap and scored once more, just before the final whistle. The final score of 32 to 19 reflected a strong second half from Basingstoke.

A superb performance form Bracknell, who, throughout the first half were the stronger and more skilful team and played some truly spectacular rugby. Player of the Match award went to Braxton for a polished all round performance, with great attacking footwork, strength in defence and great leadership.