Chippenham 7 - 22 Bracknell

On a day that people’s minds might have been at Twickenham for the England Australia game, Bracknell fielded a side that had four changes in the starting line up from the side that faced Brixham last week.

A strong wide was blowing down the pitch which was to Bracknell’s advantage in the first half.

Bracknell started strongly and blindside break off a scrum by Nico Maybury, saw the ball passed to Ben Yates who injected some pace into the move, the ball was off loaded to George Milligan (who else? ) to score just by the posts. Chris Laidler converted.

This as it turned out was to be Bracknell only major incursion into Chippenham territory and as both sides struggled with the worsening conditions, it was Chippenham that enjoyed the territorial advantage. With the spectators huddling for whatever cover was available, the Chippenham drives were stoutly defended by Bracknell.

Chippenham opting for scrums rather than choosing to kick any kickable penalties. It was this that led to a scrum on the Bracknell five meter line, just before half time. This scrum collapsed and the referee deemed that Bracknell had caused this and awarded another penalty to Chippenham. The scrum went down again and again penalty to Chippenham. With the home support now very vocal the referee issued a final warning to Bracknell. At the resultant scrum Bracknell were awarded a free kick which allowed them to clear their lines and the first half was brought to an end.

7-0 to Bracknell at half time.

Whatever coach Greenslade-Jones said to his team at half time it had the desired effect and Bracknell started the second half a different team. An early drive up field by the Bracknell forwards cleared the ball for Stuart Mackay to make a line break and with a quick flick pass, Tom Saunders was able to score for Bracknell.

Chippenham, now enjoying the wind advantage, continued to pressurise but could not break down the resolute Bracknell defence. That was until, from a Chippenham line out, the Chippenham winger Ryan Surry finally broke through the Bracknell defensive line to score under the posts. This was converted by Chippenham and the home crowd sensed a come back.

This was short lived, as from a penalty for a high tackle, a drive by Nico Maybury was held up over the try line. From the ensuing scrum Chris Laidler scored for Bracknell but was unable to convert his own try.

Bracknell were now hunting for the bonus point and with seconds remaining the sustained Bracknell pressure saw Stuart Mackay score in the corner, the conversation was missed – game over.

Next up, next Saturday, Lydney visit Lily Hill which is a top of the table clash. I predict a hard game so, please come down and lend your support.

Bracknell 1:Jonny Mirza, 2:Stuart Silvester, 3:Jack Petello, 4:Kenny Barry, 5:Ollie Taylor, 6:Matt Brambley, 7:George Milligan, 8:Nico Maybury (C), 9:Daniel Ap Dafydd , 10:Daniel Antonelli , 11:Stuart Mackay, 12:Ben Nowak, 13:Tom Saunders 14:Ben Yates 15:Chris Laidler Reps, Ken Dowding, Joe Clapson, Chris Brember