In a battle of grit and determination at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell U16 Girls emerged victorious with a resounding 33-0 triumph over Winchleigh U16 Girls. The wet, cold, and windy afternoon provided a challenging backdrop, but both teams showcased their tenacity in a fiercely contested match.

From the kickoff, Winchleigh faced an uphill battle, literally, as Bracknell capitalised on the slope advantage in the first half. Bracknell's meticulous preparation in scrummaging and lineouts proved instrumental, with Molly Ca’s precise kicks and strategic play earning them crucial territory.

The first breakthrough came as Molly Ca executed a quick tap and go, defying relentless Winchleigh defense to score in the corner, followed by a successful conversion, making it 7-0 to Bracknell. The dominance continued as Eva added to the tally with a remarkable run, fueled by a turnover initiated by Molly Ca. Katy's unstoppable drive toward the posts secured Bracknell's third try, concluding the first half with a commanding 21-0 lead.

The second half saw Bracknell maintaining momentum, with Lily and Zara making notable runs. Despite Winchleigh's resilient defence, Bracknell's fourth try from Zara came off the back of a well-coordinated scrum and fluid teamwork. Winchleigh, refusing to concede, displayed determination with a kick to touch, setting up a promising position. Evie's jump and steal denied Winchleigh a breakthrough, yet they persisted, winning a scrum and forcing a penalty. Bracknell's defensive efforts, led by Eva, Katy, and Macy, eventually pushed Winchleigh back. The final try showcased Bracknell's strategic thinking, where an attacking lineout paved the way for a meticulously executed play. A tap off the top to Macy concluded with Mady scoring under the posts. With the score gapped to 33 points, Bracknell secured a well-deserved victory.

In the closing minutes, both teams continued the competitive display, with Bracknell determined to maintain their clean sheet. Despite injuries to Molly Cu and Ima, Bracknell's medical team acted swiftly, with Molly Cu able to rejoin the match and Ima reported as available for Bracknell’s next challenge. Róisín was brought back on for Mady in the dying seconds of the match, possibly to reduce the risk of any further injuries in the already-won match or to run down the clock and maintain the 33-0 scoreline.

This exceptional team performance highlighted Bracknell's mastery in challenging conditions. The forwards dominated scrums and lineouts, while the backs showcased fluid passing, effective tackles, and turnover prowess. Bracknell’s commendable effort was acknowledged, with Molly receiving Winchleigh’s Player of the Match award. Evie earned the Coach's Choice accolade for her standout contributions throughout the match. Her performance in the lineout, and crucial ball steals, disrupted Winchleigh's forward momentum and had a lasting impact on the game. A final acknowledgment goes to Katy, a formidable force on the field, relentlessly smashing through the opposition. Her performance extended beyond sheer power, as she also contributed by scoring a try.

As Bracknell U16 Girls set sights on the next encounter against Cobham U16 Girls, the team aims to build on this success and continue their winning streak. A testament to their resilience and skill, Bracknell U16 Girls have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Go Bracknell!

John Irwin

Squad: Amelia (mascot), Elle, Emiliy, Jess, Molly Ca, Mady, Molly Cu, Lily, Róisín, Penny, Zara, Eva, Isla, Macy, Georgia, Imogen, Evie, Katy, Elizabeth, Emma

Scoreboard operation: Jake