Bracknell U13s took on RAMS RFC this past Sunday, in a split venue fixture, of two mixed-ability teams. Both matches were played with pace, ambition, determination and emotion, which thoroughly entertained the friends and families on the touch line.

The U13s Badgers squad took to the field at a sunny Lilly Hill Park and from kick off, found themselves engaged in a tussle for control of the ball and territory, which would be a true test of their skills, strength and stamina. Early pressure from RAMS saw them charge through for the opening score of the match. Regrouped and inspired, Freddie Cullity sent a long kick down field, chased by the charging Kaiden Fulcher and Max Wiley. Possession was regained and forward momentum gathered as Braxton Dickinson hit the ball up the middle, supported by max Shuttleworth. The ball went through the phases and found its way into the hands of George Whitbread , who powered through the back-pedalling RAMS defence, to dot down in the corner. The rest of the match played into the hands of RAMS, who exploited the lack of pressure from the Bracknell defence. Depsite Kaiden putting in some blitzing runs, Sebby Pollard battling at every breakdown and Aiden Jackson pressing forward, it wasn’t enough for Bracknell to truly trouble RAMS.

The U13s Stags found themselves away from home, being hosted by RAMS, in what turned out to be an end to end battle. Billy Brumpton kicked off and instantly the Bracknell players came to life. A fast start saw the ball fly through the hands, with new centre pairing of Bailey Anstead and Charlie Gomez-Baker pressing forward at pace. A missed tackle from RAMS saw Charlie burst through for the opening score. RAMS hit back through their two biggest players and despite one of the smallest on the pitch, Finnley Bond fronting up and taking a massive hit as he attempted to tackle the steam train coming at him, the inevitable happened and RAMS levelled. Both teams looked to take hold of the match, but neither could get their flow, Some hug hits in the midfield from the returning George Moran, halted the RAMS attack, and some great work at the breakdown found Bracknell having the lions share of the possession. George turned defence into attack, as he sprung through a gap and galloped into the corner for a superb solo try. With the scrum creaking slightly, Bracknell focused on getting the ball wide, and some excellent fast service from Finn saw the ball make its way out to the wing where James Foster needed little invitation to spring forward and side step his way over the white wash. RAMS replied with two further scores, as the Bracknell defence was tested time and time again, by RAMS tactic of letting the big lads take the ball up. Alfie Allen put in a shift, being everywhere on the pitch and getting involved in every aspect of the game. Half time saw RAMS lead and began to dictate the pace of the match. From kick off Cameron Griebenow showed some devastation in defence and attack, as he looked to utilise his strength to balance the score line. Hayden Lawson’s arrival on the pitch bought some attacking pace, while Freddy Brown put in a stellar second half performance, which stood out to all. Freddy was tackling anything that moved, and taking the ball forward with his trademark footwork. Bracknell managed to score again through Charlie, but RAMS exploited their size advantage, and ultimately had too much power for Bracknell, as they extended their lead and never looked back.

A weekend of learning for the Bracknell lads, whose first time in a mixed ability team, showed, against a well drilled, powerful and connected RAMS team. Bracknell can hold their heads high as they once again showed true heart, playing until the final whistle, with pride, passion and above all, a smile of their faces