Bracknell kicked off in a much-anticipated top of the table clash with Windsor on a cold sunny morning with the Charles and Camilla watching from their bedroom window (not actually confirmed but lets say it was so). The boys were fired up thanks to the coaches dressing room chat (all 4 clearly wanted to be transported back to being 13/14 and play…).

IN a bruising first 20min encounter, Bracknell forwards made good yardage with the boys taking the instruction to crash the ball up off the rucks. George W and Will, in particular were causing big problems for the Windsor forwards and flyhalf as they put in tackle after tackle. Some huge hits left the crowd gasping (shout out to the tackle of Goerge M on the Windsor 10). Whilst the forwards took the edge, the backs struggled to get clear momentum but a good break out from our own line Alex A flying down the left wing and over the halfway line, promising signs.

With 15 mins to go, Windsor scored a penalty kick and the penalty count continued to stack up against Bracknell. Whilst the defence had been good, the last play before halftime saw Windsor’s strike back beat a few tackles go over under the posts, 10-0 at the break.

Bracknell continued to battle hard and the defence was excellent. Some necessary changes with Kaiden injured resulting in Bailey to scrum half, both disrupted well. Some good runs from Braxton and George N continued to ensure we were in the game but a soft try in the corner off a backrow mistake from Windsor saw them go 15-0 up. A further try by Windsor from some unfortunate play, saw them lead 22-0, and with Windsor boys in full cry, that could have signalled a tough last 15 for the Bracknell boys. However the boys regrouped and with a huge effort they dominated the last part of the game, Will crashing over from a short penalty and taking half the Windsor team with him. Some really good interplay between the forwards and backs could have easily resulted in another try and with us gifting them a try and another for us, truth was the game was a lot closer than then 22-5 scoreline suggested. Shout out to Tawen making his debut for the U14s, playing well at both wing and flanker. Good to hear the boys encouraging each other at the end and they all know we can beat Windsor on another day.

George W man of the match with some terrifying runs and tackles.