1XV opening day woes continue

All the pre-season hard yards had been completed, and the 2019/20 season got underway with the 1XV hosting Weston-super-Mare at Lily Hill. WSM finished last season with a fine run of seven games without defeat - this included a draw at runners-up Barnstaple in the final league game of the season. Bracknell finished last season with a run of six wins and were keen to add to this record as well as expunging a record of 7 years without an opening day win. Historically games between the sides have been keenly contested, Bracknell winning the corresponding fixture last season 22-13.

Bracknell welcomed George Owen and Stuart Mackay back to Bracknell ranks following a number of seasons away. Bracknell also welcomed hooker Aaran Matthews and second row Alex Stanley into Bracknell colours for their debuts.

Bracknell kicked off playing towards the clubhouse and would open the scoring with a Vic Hardwicke penalty with only three minutes gone. The Bracknell lead only lasted a matter of minutes, as a missed tackle allowed second row Thomas Sugg to gallop over the Bracknell white wash. The conversion was missed.

WSM enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession but were unable to break the Bracknell defensive line. With almost half of the first half gone, Chris Laidler intercepted a pass and showing the chasing WSM defence a clean pair of heels was able score with what was almost Bracknell’s first venture into WSM territory. Vic Hardwicke converted.

The WSM pressure finally told as fly half Marcus Nel finished neatly doted down after a spell of WSM pressure on the Bracknell line. This time conversion from Kaidin Brocks was good.

There was still time on the clock for a Bracknell penalty from Vic Hardwicke, to give Bracknell the lead at the break.

Half time: Bracknell 13 Weston-super-Mare 12

With five minutes of the half gone a powerful drive from number 8 Brad Talbot opened the second half scoring for WSM.

Bracknell responded with a break by George Owen deep into WSM’s half, the re-cycled ball found its way to Harry Challenor to crash over the WSM try line. Vic Hardwicke converting to cut the WSM lead to just one point.

The hopes of an unlikely Bracknell come were dented by winger Alex Howman, who found space to score WSM’s bonus point try and extending the lead back to seven points.

With under ten minutes remaining of the game, Bracknell cut the WSM lead to just three points with another Vic Hardwicke penalty. With only minutes remaining Bracknell’s hopes were finally crushed with further Alex Howman try. Kaidin Brocks' conversion, being the final score of the match.

Full time: Bracknell 21 Weston-super-Mare 31 (Points: Bracknell 0 Weston-super-Mare 5)

The result extends Bracknell's unwanted record of not having won an opening game of the season since the 2013/14 season when they defeated Old Reds 27-10 at Lily Hill Park.

Well done to the 3XV who found Crowthrone’s new clubhouse to their liking as they recorded a 8-6 win.

Starting their season this morning are the Mini’s and Juniors, this afternoon the Ladies are in action vs Hampstead Ladies (KO 2.30pm), while the Academy travel to Ealing. Good luck to all. Please come down and lend your support.

The more alert of you will have noticed that this season SW Premier has only 13 teams (as opposed to the normal 14), so each side in the league will have two weekends without a game over the season. Next week the 1XV travel to North Devon as they face Barnstaple, who are yet to start their campaign, having had a free weekend yesterday.

Bracknell: 1 Elliott Bellman 2 Aaran Matthews 3 Nick Ovens 4 Rhys Verley 5 Alex Stanley 6 Sam Gibbons 7 Tom Mew 8 Michael Clarje (c) 9 Lewis Franklin 10 Vic Hardwicke 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Chris Laidler 13 Stuart Mackay 14 Ian Burch 15 George Qwen Replacements: Harry Challenor, Tom Scott, Ben Yates