Monsoon Disrupts Bracknell Impressive Start to Season

By Tony Kilos

In monsoon conditions a scratch Bracknell team delivered their customary start by gifting their strong opponents a converted try with their first move. By the time Bracknell had decided to play some rugby Ruislip had taken advantage to score two more tries, one converted, as they cut through the middle at will, their hard-running numbers 5 and 12 to the fore. At this point Bracknell started to get into the game though with the torrential rain handling was extremely difficult and a succession of knock ons ensured that neither team could get any moves flowing. The Bracknell pack again performed admirably but, with a shortage of available backs, several of the forwards found themselves playing in unaccustomed positions and there was, understandably, little cohesion. Bracknell's good work in the latter part of the first half was undone by a wayward pass from a scrum which had been won, and following a couple of kick ons the Ruislip centre just managed to ground the ball before Bracknell could get back. With virtually the last play of the half Bracknell made the score more respectable when the forwards played the phases on the opposition 5 metre line. Jack Ridout showed great strength to force over for a well-deserved try with Tom Butler kicking a very good conversion.

There were times in the second half when Bracknell looked like improving their score with a couple of half chances not taken. Alex Ferguson made a good run down the wing, and in better weather conditions would have sprinted away to score but was well tackled by the Ruislip full-back. With the conditions hampering both sides there was little continuity of play though the hosts looked the more likely to score and began to impose, their big centres in particular causing Bracknell’s defence problems. Just when it seemed that the visitors would survive with no further points against them Ruislip scored two late tries to give them a score-line that was in no way flattering.

This was a tough day for this developmental side against well organised and physically strong opponents. With the weather hindering any free-flowing rugby both sides struggled though Bracknell showed great character not to crumble after such a disastrous start.