On a day that you would be more akin to the players wearing cricket whites the long awaited Berkshire Vets Cup semi final finally got under way. And it had been worth waiting for, the skill levels displayed by both sides was outstanding.

It was Bracknell that opened the scoring. A fine worked backs move allowed winger Phil Wells to exploit an overlap and touchdown in the corner. Matt Tipper's conversion attempt just failing after rebounding off the post.

The Bracknell pressure was now mounting, but a fine chance went begging, with a four man overlap the ball was knocked on by ‘bucket hands’ David Rosi, much to the amusement of the crowd.

With the final play of the half, a Chariots of Fire break by skipper Martin Radford saw him dart from the half way line, fending off would be tacklers to score under the posts. The conversion kicked by Ben Nowak. Half time score 12-0.

Newbury enjoyed most of the territory and procession in the second half, Bracknell gallantly defending, lead by man of the match Bryce Phillipps. The Newbury pressure finally told, with Newbury crossing the Bracknell try line under the posts for a converted try. 12-7.

With the time ticking down on referee Andrew Greens watch, Newbury strained every sinew to get the drawing score. With the final play of the game Bracknell secured the ball from a Newbury line-out, the result penalty allowed Martin Radford to kick the ball into touch and bring the game to an end. Final score 12-7.

The Bulls will now face Reading in the final at Lily Hill, the date of the final has still to be confirmed.

GOBRFC!

Bracknell Bulls: Simon Brambley, Nigel Wright, Howard Wiley, Jason Lewis, Christopher Heath Turrall, David Rosi, Bryce Phillipps, Alan Leishman, Matt Tipper, Martin Radford (c), Rob Whiting, Steven Reid, Ben Nowak, Phil Wells, Lee Woods Subs: Chris Warner, Gavin Squires, David Tonkinson