Jersey Match Report

Bracknell won this intense first league game in a fixture between two of the probable champion contenders, the game possibly coming
too early for both sides. Jersey were quicker out the blocks scoring a try after 5 minutes in the corner after a rugby league style kick across, the conversion was missed. At this point Bracknell's scrum half was taken off injured. Bracknell could not get out of their half but managed a long range penalty by Manupenu to get on the scoreboard. Jersey quickly replied with a another penalty adding 3 points. Jersey missed a penalty before scoring a converted try making the score 13 - 3. Bracknell were under intense pressure and could not gain any territory missing two more long range penalties. They were also giving away to many penalties and not quick enough to the breakdown resulting in too many turnovers. On the half hour Bracknell scored a penalty given for not releasing a feature for which Jersey were to regret later in the match. A further exchange of penalties made the half time score 9 - 16. Bracknell had done well to keep Jersey in sight as far as the score board was concerned.

Bracknell improved in the second half and Luke Carter scored an opportunist try grounding a bouncing ball just to the left of the post, converted by Manupenu to make it 16 - 16. Although Bracknell had improved they were still not retaining the ball well enough, the game was beginning to resemble a chess match both sides trying to find a wat through. On 67 minutes Bracknell missed a great chance to take the lead when Manupenu penalty hit the post and bounced back into play. A minute later Manupenu went off injured and resulting penalty was taken by fly half Astbury which just creeped over to give the Bracknell the lead for the first time. Three minutes later no 11 McKenzie burst through to score a spectacular try much to the enjoyment of the home fans in the club house. The conversion attempt hit the post, score 24 - 16 to Bracknell. Jersey were becoming frustrated and had two players sin binned for killing the ball, with time running out Jersey gained some territory and although there was over 10 minutes of stoppage time added, they could only manage a penalty which they elected to kick to gain the losing bonus point, time was blown soon after. An intriguing encounter which Bracknell should consider themselves lucky to win a match which could be possibly be their toughest home game this season.