Bracknell 1st vs Hertford 1st

Bracknell 13 Hertford 8
by Tony Kilos

Looking at the score you would be forgiven for thinking this was not an entertaining match, but it was an enthralling spectacle contested between two evenly matched sides, especially the packs. Bracknell had obviously learnt some lessons from the previous weeks loss to Havant, playing some well drilled phases of rugby without mistake, the first scrum not coming for fully twelve minutes. The only mute point a kickable penalty miss on three minutes. The game was mostly in Hertford territory for the first half hour, Bracknell finally making the breakthrough after a penalty was given for coming through the lineout. Quick thinking by scrum half Dan ap Dafydd gained yards, another penalty kicked to touch, from the lineout two phases of mauls, the second resulting in the ball just held up over the try line. The five metre scrum ball won was picked up by Nico Maybury to score under the posts, Manupenu converting.

Bracknell could have increased their lead when after good work by Kyle Lovell, a penalty was kicked to touch, the lineout won by the ever efficient forwards, the ball moved quickly down the backs, a couple of rucks, Mirza making some good ground, the ball knocked on by Mackay. Seconds later a Barry reverse pass was again dropped by Mackay, clear playing in an unaccustomed position than his normal on the wing. Just before half time another chance to score was not taken in similar fashion after seven phases of play, Manupenu, Nowak and Birch to the fore.

Half time Bracknell 7 Hertford 0

The start of the second half continued in much the same vein. Hertford though had been matching Bracknell in all aspects of the match and got themselves back into the game scoring a penalty not long after a drop goal attempt nearly hit the corner flag.

A Manupenu penalty restored the seven point lead but with Hertford now doing most of the attacking a ten all draw looked on the cards. Hertford's scrum half finally scoring the long threatened try, evading the defence to run in from the twenty two. Much to the relief of the home fans the conversion attempt hit the post. Hertford were on the ascendancy at this point and your reporter taking a leaf from Hertford's reporter 'Griddle' had enjoyed a few beverages during the match and the notes were getting less and more illegible as the game neared its end. A quick thinking mark called by Captain Ben Nowak stopped another Hertford attack in its tracks. Bracknell completed the scoring from an excellent long range penalty, given for hands in, from Manupenu, Hertford trying to stop the ball in vain from creeping over the cross bar, the referee blowing for time straight after. This was a hard fought win and look forward to more of the same in the reverse fixture in February. Bracknell are now third in the league three points behind Old Albanians

Note from the Chairman:-

Well done to all, keep playing for each other, dig deep and you will succeed in your goals.