United front of the threes sees them go top!

Though Coach Paul Jefferies and his troop had prepped well for this game and the squad finalised on Thursday night, by Saturday morning several players had droped out for various reasons. With a massive effort from Coach Paul Jefferies, Skipper Jon Bullett and Martin Radford, a side was put together and the Threes travelled to what was now going to be a very tough game to get league points and keep the momentum going of a very good start to the season.

With players out of position, guys who had only just starting playing rugby, guys coming out of retirement, the Threes took to the field and started with a purpose and weathered an early storm from a much changed and stronger Slough side from previous weeks.

The spirit and determination of Bracknell to halt any attack was evident. Some crunching tackles from the back row of Paul Jefferies, Dave Rosi and Nigel Wright, set the standard for the rest of the team whom followed suit. These early smashes forced several turnovers, scrum half Sam Turney fed his backline who tested the opposition. Two tries were scored with Ben Radford at fly half converting. The ball was used well by Bracknell throughout the game, several counter attacks were unlucky not to see further scores but in fairness, Slough defended well.

Sloughs centre was now making some strong runs and Slough started to threaten the Bracknell line and indeed scored. At half time, the game was at 7-14 in Bracknell’s favour.

Jon Bullett was an inspirational skipper, urging his side at half time to continue with the effort being put in, as Slough were coming back strongly.

The second half saw Slough indeed start with meaning and five minutes in to the half they had scored. The scores were level! After slotting a few penalties Sloughs crowd were sensing a victory and were cheering as if it was a cup final, the large and vocal crowd trying to spur their team on. Unfortunately for them it also had a positive effect on the Mighty Threes and they upped the stakes. The pack started to drive the bigger Slough pack back, and in the close combat areas Bracknell`s core strength and ball skill was all too much for Slough. Once again several attacks were made resulting in another well worked try through the back line of Ben Radford, Matt Tipper, Mannering, Samson and Dave Goad, with full back Cooper coming effectively into the line.

With 20 minutes to go Stefano Rosi was yellow carded for a clash with his opposite number, who managed to remain on the pitch ? Slough took their chance and scored making the score 23-21 in their favour. Bracknell again upped the pace and with only seven men in the pack, again drove the bigger Slough pack back time after time. It was evident that Slough were weary now from the battle they had been given by Bracknell. Sheer strength, fitness, and the will to win saw Bracknell score the all important try from Mannering with Ben Radford converting. With ten minutes left Paul Jefferies was replaced by Scott Bradley, together with the sin bin returning. Slough looked beaten and indeed Bracknell pressed for another score, the home crowd had gone quiet, defeat known.

The final whistle went. Bracknell had won 23-28, a fantastic game and all credit to each player on a day when a united front of the 'Mighty Three's' had seen them go top of the league.

Bracknell - Beckingham , Jon Bullett (C), Simon Brambley, Reid, Dave Rosi, Paul Jefferies, Nigel Wright, Sam Turney, Ben Radford, Matt Tipper, Mannering, Samson, Dave Goad , Cooper, Youngs, Scott Bradley, Stefano Rosi.