Tadley II 22 - 3 Bracknell III

A reasonable team squad made the journey to Tadley whom they had played in a close encounter at the start of the season. Bracknell hoping to carry on winning ways, but alas they came out second best against a decent Tadley side.

On arrival the Tadley squad looked huge in numbers, but the information soon filtered through that Tadley`s first team fixture at home had been cancelled.

The early encounters between the two sides were bruising and the match was shaping up to be a tight one. Tadley had the majority of possession and were knocking at the Bracknell door constantly only to be repelled every time by a well drilled defence. This spirited defence and dog like work from Bracknell somewhat frustrated Tadley into conceding penalties and turnover ball. This in turn allowed fly half John Boucher to put his boot to good effect and clear Bracknell's lines.

With only minutes remaining of the first half Tadley did manage to turn their possession into points, scoring a try in the corner. The conversion was missed meaning the score line was 5-0 at half time.

Bracknell started the second half with confidence and it was Tadley`s turn to be put under pressure. The ball was being used well by the forwards, notably old-timer Dan Ledger and Jason Lewis who were imposing at the ruck area. Tadley were starting to panic at these attacks and a penalty was awarded to Bracknell for offside. Ben Radford on at half time in the centre slotting the penalty, 5-3. Shortly after, another penalty was given but this time Ben Radford`s attempt was only just wide.

The game was then played in the middle of the park, both sides driving hard at each other, but neither able to breakdown the others defence.

With 20 minutes of the match remaining Tadley made a number of significant changes and within a 10 minute period the new Tadley back line had breached Bracknell's defence and scored two tries, converting one, 17-3.

Again Bracknell rallied and ventured deep into Tadley territory. With a three man overlap developing Bracknell uncharacteristically spilled the ball in midfield and a certain try went begging. This seemed to encourage Tadley and they attacked again from a lineout within the Bracknell 22, scoring the last try of the game. With the final whistle going, the full time score was 22-3.

Bracknell can take heart from this game in what was one of their best defensive performances of the season. Well played Tadley however the score line, even to the Tadley supporters and referee, did not reflect the game.

So now Bracknell must put this result behind them and go into the next game confident that they are still top of the table by 8 points. All still to play for!!!

GO BRFC!!

Bracknell squad: P.J , Nigel Wright, Jake Parker, Tom Youngs , Sam Vass, Lee Woods, Sam Turney , John Boucher, Martin Cooper, Dave Goad, Ben Radford , Chris Samson , Dan Ryding, David Rosi , Stefano Rosi , A Warner, Dave Tonkinson, Jason Lewis, Luke Beckingham, A Cooke , Dan Ledger.