Bracknell U16 Girls: Saving the Best for Last - When It Clicks, It Really Clicks!

In a day filled with exhilarating rugby action, the Bracknell team faced a series of formidable challenges during the pool stages of the tournament, showcasing their determination and growth as a team.

Their opening match saw them pitted against Gosford All Blacks (the eventual tournament winners), setting the tone for a day of fierce competition. The game kicked off with Gosford enjoying the advantage, and they wasted no time in crossing the try line for the first score. However, perhaps down to confusion or an attempt to use up time, the conversion attempt was taken from in front of the posts, contrary to tournament rules, causing a delayed restart from Bracknell's perspective.

Bracknell's spirit remained unbroken as they were awarded a scrum, leading to a penalty that allowed them to penetrate Gosford's territory. A quick tap-and-go put Bracknell into a more favourable position, but they couldn't prevent Gosford from securing their second try. Despite gallant efforts from Bracknell in chasing back and making last-ditch tackles, Gosford continued to build their lead with two more tries.

Throughout the match, Gosford retained the advantage of kicking off after each score, and Bracknell had a chance to put three points on the board but narrowly missed the kick. However, Bracknell's resilience and "never say die" attitude shone through as they managed to mount an attack deep into Gosford's half. A coordinated team effort, through multiple phases of play and with Eva and Molly playing pivotal roles, resulted in Bracknell's first score of the tournament, a just reward for the effort they had put into playing against a bigger, more experienced team.

The final score stood at 22-7 in favour of Gosford All Blacks, a testament to the challenges Bracknell faced in their opening match.

In their second match, Bracknell clashed with the Solihull Vixens, who had suffered a tough loss in their previous outing. The Vixens started strongly, amassing a 12-0 lead within the first quarter of the game. Yet, Bracknell maintained their composure, gradually finding their rhythm and working their way back into the match.

Katy played a pivotal role by securing a well-taken ball following the Vixens' kick off. She swiftly passed it out to Molly on the flanks, who touched down for Bracknell's first points of the match.

Despite the Vixens managing to score a third try, Bracknell made them work hard for it, making them put in multiple phases to breach the Bracknell wall. Bracknell then hit back with a well-executed team effort, starting with Emily catching from kick off, Penny and Elizabeth making ground, and ending with a precise pass from Molly to Eva. Eva scored under the posts, setting up an easy conversion for Molly.

The tide seemed to be turning in Bracknell's favour, and they might have gone on to secure the victory had the referee not blown the whistle exactly on the ten-minute mark. While the match ended with a 15-12 scoreline in favour of the Vixens, it was a marked improvement from Bracknell's opening performance.

Bracknell’s final group stage match brought them face-to-face with Buckingham B, a team that had suffered a narrow defeat to Gosford All Blacks. Buckingham B boasted a larger pack and capitalised on a turned-over scrum to score their first points. Bracknell defended valiantly for multiple phases, akin to the Portuguese defence later that day, but Buckingham B eventually found a way through.

One challenge of tournament matches is being put under immediate defensive pressure after conceding and Bracknell found themselves under relentless attack following the first try. Buckingham B quickly secured a second try, taking advantage of the situation.

As in their previous matches, Bracknell finished strongly. A penalty awarded in their favour was kicked to touch, leading to a lineout near the Buckingham B try line. Despite losing the lineout initially, Bracknell's tenacity won them the ball back. However, a scrappy phase of play ended with the referee calling a knock-on, denying Bracknell an immediate comeback. Nevertheless, Bracknell displayed their determination once more, with Molly passing to Evie on the wing for a brilliant try.

The match concluded prematurely with Buckingham B winning 10-5 but Bracknell had shown their fighting spirit throughout. Although they ended the group stage without a win, they earned themselves three losing bonus points, showcasing their growth and resilience.

Their efforts led to a final match against Buckingham A, and Bracknell saved their best for last. Back in their home shirts and putting "hairgate" behind them, Bracknell displayed their readiness from the start. A cleverly executed kick for an attacking lineout, combined with swift ball recovery, allowed Georgia to score her first try in her first competitive outing with Bracknell.

Retaining possession after scoring proved crucial, as Buckingham A fumbled the restart. Bracknell capitalised on the opportunity, switching play quickly and delivering the ball to Molly, who touched down for a converted try, extending their lead to 12-0.

While Buckingham A showed signs of recovery, a knock-on in front of the Bracknell posts dashed their hopes. Bracknell's quick thinking and teamwork came to the fore once again, with a rapid tap-and-go leading to a length-of-the-pitch run by Lily, and their third try.

As the match drew to a close, Bracknell introduced fresh legs, a strategic decision that helped them withstand Buckingham A's late onslaught. Elizabeth and Róisín combined to steal the ball on a Buckingham A throw deep in the Bracknell half and, although Bracknell worked hard to run down the clock, they lost possession, preventing them from keeping Buckingham A scoreless. The final score stood at 19-5 in favour of Bracknell, capping off a remarkable day.

While Bracknell may not have secured a win in the group stage, their performances improved steadily, and they never backed down from any challenge. They gained invaluable experience playing 10s on a full-sized pitch and learned the importance of maintaining a high pace throughout the shorter 10 minute game. These lessons position Bracknell as strong contenders for future tournaments, as they continue to mature and gain more experience.

In conclusion, the Bracknell team left the field on a high note, proud of their progress and with their eyes set on future triumphs. Go Bracknell!

John Irwin

Squad:
Eva, Katy, Emma, Penny, Isla, Róisín, Macy, Imogen, Elle, Elizabeth, Emily, Lily, Molly Ca, Evie, Molly Cu, Kirsten, Georgia, Zara