The Development squad were to face a tough test, against a well organised and powerful RAMS team. With Zabi Parker-Sillito captaining the team from Scrum-half, the pace was going to be rapid. A bright start, despite the less than favourable conditions, saw some battling for possession, with Billy Brumpton utilising all his footwork and evasiveness to get the backs going forward. RAMS then began to exploit their size and power advantage early on, getting onto the score board first. Up front, Benn Staines, Issac Williams and George Ratcliffe dug in deep, with Issac having a standout performance that lasted throughout the match. As RAMS began to put the game beyond reach, the Bracknell lads showed great spirit, heart and perseverance, never giving up and never letting the scoreline get on top of them. Finley Perryman exemplified this spirit, with his never say die attitude and willingness to push until the final whistle.

Despite a hefty defeat, the whole squad can hold their heads high, battling through till the end. Players of the match went to Issac and Finnley, whose workrates, ambition and positivity, should were an inspiration to all their teammates.

The U13s kicked off against Henley in wet and windy conditions, on a very soft pitch, but the performance was nothing like the gloomy and miserable weather conditions.

From the outset the U13s looked to attack with purpose and ensure their defensive line was not breached. Captain Blake Goss found himself with plenty of ball in hand, carrying well, while supported by Max Shuttleworth, whose work at breakdown was outstanding. In his first start in the back row, Max Wiley showed devastating power and footwork as he continually broke through the Henley defence. It wasn’t long before Bracknell crossed the white wash, taking the games first try. This served only to further lift the Bracknell players, as the pace lifted and the intensity rose with it. Powerful in attack, quick to the breakdown and showing excellent continuity throughout the phases, Bracknell piled on the pressure. Quick service from Finnley Bond at scrum half kept the pace high, and with Freddie Cullity distributing the ball perfectly from fly-half, it wasn’t long before the centre pairing of Braxton Dickinson and Charlie Gomez-Baker found themselves on the score sheet. With Bracknell playing expansively, both wingers, Kaiden Fulcher and Teddy Bartlam, saw action, and put their pace and footwork on display for all to see. Before the end of the half, Bracknell notched up seven tries, without conceding a single score.

The second half saw a Henley revival, as the Bracknell defence came under increasing pressure and the probing Henley runs began to test the tackling of the stunned Bracknell players. George Whitbread stepped up, with some trademark heavy hits, while Alfie Gooch battled endlessly to get over the rucks and secure the ball for Bracknell. Henley were putting the phases together, and some strong work in the centre of the pitch saw them breakthrough, to score in the corner. A swift response came, as Will Baker put in a devastating run, knocking players off left right and centre, or just running with two of them hanging off him. This lead to another score for Bracknell, and with a number of substitues on the pitch, it looked like Bracknell gathered some further control. Into the final quarter of the game, Bracknell looked to shut out the Henley team, and they did. No further tries conceded, as Bracknell themselves scored two further times, to seal off a spectacular performance.
Final Score, Bracknell 70 – Henley 7

Players of the match, as awarded by the Henley Captain, went to Will Baker and Charlie Gomez-Baker.