Late blow for 1XV in Berks derby

A good sized crowd assembled at Lily Hill for this local derby, including former England internationals Ben Clarke , Will Greenwood (in his role as part of the Maidenhead coaching staff) and Bracknell MP Dr Philip Lee; Maidenhead’s MP being absent – perhaps being Prime Minster may have meant she had other things on her plate, she missed a thriller!!

The sides had not met in a league game since 2008, when the spoils went to Bracknell. This time Maidenhead would take the spoils.

Coming out through the guard of honour provided by the Bracknell minis, Bracknell started the game playing away from the clubhouse in the first half. Maidenhead’s early pressure was rewarded with the opening score, full back Perry Jensen finishing off a backs move under the Bracknell posts. Conversion from Ed Keohane was good. 0-7.

The sides exchanged penalties before referee Henry Lewis showed Ed Keohane a yellow card for a deliberate knock on, just on the half an hour mark. From the resultant penalty Vic Hardwicke reduced the Maidenhead lead.

Bracknell took full advantage of the extra man, a clearing kick was gathered in the Maidenhead half by Ben Sanderson was fed to Ian Birch for him to outpace the Maidenhead defence to score in the corner. Conversion out wide by Vic Hardwick was good and Bracknell had the lead at half time.

Half time: Bracknell 13 Maidenhead 10

Bracknell now attacking the clubhouse, opened the scoring in the second half. Ian Birch intercepting a pass and showing his pace again, to dot down under the Maidenhead posts. Conversion from Vic Hadwicke was good. 20-10

Bracknell now enjoying pressure in the Maidenhead half were unable to further cross the Maidenhead whitewash. As the game wore on this proved a costly chance missed.

Restored to the field Ed Keohane reduced the Bracknell lead with a penalty, not before Bracknell touch judge Andy Dunks risked life and limb removing a stray cat from the field of play!!!

Maidenhead now exerting pressure in the Bracknell half finally broke through the defiant Bracknell defence; some smart swift hands in the Maidenhead back line saw winger George Blewitt score in the right hand corner. Conversion was missed. 20-18.

Maidenhead now with their tails up drove up the pitch and further extended pressure saw them score in the left corner to take the lead for the first time in the second half. Conversion was missed. 20-23.

Bracknell recovering the ball from the kick off, attacked again. The ball finding its way to No 8 Chris Hala’ufia, to break a tackle and off-load to Simon Bayliss to round the Maidenhead defence to score. Conversion was missed. 25-23.

If the crowd thought that the game was over - they needed to have a re-think. Bracknell failing to completely clear their lines allowed Maidenhead one more chance. From an attacking line out the impressive Maidenhead pack drove over the Bracknell try line. Hooker Mark Darlington at the bottom of the ruck coming up with the final winning (and bonus point) score. Ed Keohane failing with the conversion attempt.

Full time: Bracknell 25 Maidenhead 28 (Points: Bracknell 1 Maidenhead 5)

Martin Radford Bracknell Chairman of Rugby, said after the game “Today saw a fantastic and enthralling game - the first league encounter for many years - it didn't disappoint, the game was won and lost four times in the last ten minutes - congratulations to Maids on your win..”

The losing bonus pint did not stop Bracknell dropping into the bottom three in the league as wins for Newbury and Ivybridge saw them leap frog Bracknell in the league.

Next week Bracknell travel to Brixham before the final home game of the year vs Bournemouth on the 16th December. That day is the clubs Xmas lunch so please come down and join us. To book your place, please contact Sue Field (Clubhouse Manager).

Congrats to the 4XV who defeated Reading IV 24-29 in their Berkshire Derby.

Finally many congrats to BRFC life member Jamie Maunder who celebrates his 90th birthday this week. Have a great day from all at BRFC.

Bracknell: 1 Harry Challenor 2 Michael Clarke 3 Nick Ovens 4 Leo Bailey 5 Kenny Barry 6 James Ingle (C) 7 Liam Goodison 8 Chris Hala'ufia 9 Ross MacDougall 10 Vic Hardwicke 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Peceli Nacamavuto 13 Ben Sanderson 14 Ian Burch 15 Gabe Hills
Replacements: 16 George Cotterell 17 Tom Scott 18 Max Edwards

Photo courtesy Richard Hyslop