Old Patesians 26 Bracknell 32

All the indications were that this would be a hard fought game with a close result, in weather conditions more akin to the Arctic. Well, by the end of the game that turned out to be the case – but it wasn’t always that way

It was probably the warm sunshine sneaking over the ridge of the Cotswolds and 4 tries in the first half that lulled Bracknell into the belief that the game was in the bag but the half time whistle was to announce a change in fortunes in more ways than one.

As the sun slipped away from view things became far less comfortable, both on and off the pitch. The temperature took a dive and Bracknell’s lead dwindled as the game wore on. Old Pats, well versed in the type of play that makes best use of their home ground slope started to turn the screws with their forwards finding extra energy to put into the scrums and rolling mauls. As the margin was reduced to just 6 points the away support were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle.

Bracknell will look back on their first half performance and wonder why they weren’t further ahead but tries from Ian Burch and Matt Brambley were countered by a home score against the run of play and after the lead was extended by tries from Stuart Mackay and Daniel Antonelli, Bracknell allowed Old Pats another score in the last move of the first half. With Liam Prescott only being successful with one conversion attempt Bracknell found themselves only 11 points up at half time despite having dominated the first 40 minutes.

The first score of the second half would be crucial and it was the visitors who struck. Several well drilled phases led to a Stuart Mackay try wide on the left which was well converted by Liam Prescott to give the visitors a more comfortable lead of 14 – 32 but there was still well over half an hour to play and this score turned out to be Bracknell’s last.

The chill set in and Old Pats took control of the remainder of the game. For what I am sure is not the first time, home side pressure playing down the slope in the second half led to points but the battling Bracknell defence limited the rally to just two tries which were only enough to secure a losing bonus point and fell short of overhauling Bracknell’s lead. 26 – 32.

Bracknell – Jonny Mirza, Stuart Silvester, Ken Dowding, Kenny Barry, Ollie Taylor, Matt Brambley, George Milligan, Nico Maybury (C), Daniel Ap Dafydd, Daniel Antonelli, Ian Burch, Ben Nowak, Tom Saunders, Stuart Mackay, Liam Prescott. Subs – Jack Petello, Jonny Baugh, Ben Yates, Mark Ford

Pete's Predictions
In a week that saw no major surprises and where every fixture was won by the higher placed team in the league we see Lydney continue their march to promotion.

Old Reds are back to winning ways after a L – D – L run saw them drop from second to fourth but they are still in the running for a play-off spot – a goal that 6 teams may still believe is within their grasp.

Next week Bracknell host last year’s season long rivals for promotion, Old Centralians. Given how close the two sides were both on the park and in the league last year you may wonder why the fortunes of the two sides have been so starkly different in the last 3 months. Perhaps Old Cents rue their decision to forfeit their final game last year in favour of a cup final. Both Old Cents and their opponents in the final, Coney Hill were deducted 5 points which gave both sides the worst possible start to the following season – and both sides find themselves floundering at the bottom of their respective league tables. A lesson for all perhaps.

Form aside however; Bracknell mustn’t take their next game lightly. There are no pushovers in this league and we can all recall being 8 – 24 down to Avonmouth Old Boys at half time a few weeks ago. It is worth noting that in 6 of Old Cents’ 10 losses this season the losing margin has been less than 10 points. It may even be that the scalp of Bracknell will be viewed with more relish than any others given last year’s rivalry.

Please come and join us at Lily Hill Park to find out.
GO BRFC