After the disappointments of the first two games Bracknell III’s travelled to Phoenix determined to kick start the league campaign and finally managing to retain the side initially selected without have to make any last minute changes. Bracknell went on the attack from the start and almost got the games opening score with a break from centre Darren Payne who looked to be in for all the world when he was suddenly felled by a shot from the man behind the grassy knoll. Soon after they found themselves on the wrong end of several refereeing decisions which allowed Phoenix to take an early lead with a penalty shot in front of the posts.

Bracknell rallied and were soon on the score sheet themselves through with a neatly taken try with some good running lines from the backs and the forwards improving on the support play from the first two matches. For the remainder of the first half Bracknell had the majority of the ball taking an impressive 30 point lead into the break with some well taken tries from many of the backs and an impressive push over try from a scum starting almost 15 metres from the try line. The scrum will forever be remembered as being too fast for No 8 Dave Rosi who was heard shouting at the tight five to slow down as he couldn’t keep up at the back!!!!

With a four try bonus point in the bag at half time the emphasis for the second half was to ensure that we kept our shape in attack and not revert to performing as individuals rather than a team. The second half started as the first finished with a couple of quick tries in succession and the forwards continuing to turn the screw in the set piece. To give the home team credit they continued to battle away with their most sustained period of pressure coming through a series of strong pick and drives around the fringes to take play close to the Bracknell line. Bracknell held firm in the defence with all the forwards throwing themselves into the tackles and plenty of direction from returning scrum half Mark Egan repelling this final charge from the home side. After this the ball stayed with Bracknell for virtually the remainder of the match. Full Back Lee Woods finally got in on the act managing to get over in the corner for a try after the centres and wings had enjoyed most of the scoring action for the game.

The match finished 94 points to 3, with 15 tries scored captain Rob Munro was fairly pleased with his team it is difficult to pick out individual performances in such games where the whole team came together well. Matt Lawes again impressed on the back row and centre Darren Payne’s 4 try haul added to his impressive performance the week before. Wing Michael Abbott contributed well with two tries and a good all round performance after being shifted their from his normal scrum half position. The pack again scrummaged strongly and there was a vast improvement in their commitment around the pitch getting to breakdowns and support play in general. After the game the players joined the home club in their traditional post match fines and awards with some of the younger Bracknell players getting an introduction in the grass routes spirit of rugby!!!