Another successful season for Bracknell U14's-unbeaten and league champions

Bracknell RFC U14A v Reading Abbey U14

On Sunday 27th April, Bracknell U14’s took on Reading Abbey U14’s at Lily Hill, knowing that a win would crown them Berkshire champions for a second year running. Bracknell have been unbeaten in the league this season, as they were last season, and were feeling confident on an overcast but thankfully dry day.

From the first whistle, Bracknell piled the pressure on Abbey. Any loose balls were quickly smothered by the forwards, and Abbey were not able to gain any meaningful possession. From a strong forwards move gaining a lot of ground, Bracknell’s scrum half Paddy Spiers was quick to see an opening and dived over the try line for an early score under the posts. The conversion was successfully kicked by Ben Stevens, and Bracknell were up and running.

With confidence growing, Bracknell continued their excellent start. As with all their matches this season, the whole team played as a unit, with strength and depth in both the forwards and the backs. Our front row of Liam Collins, Matt Murphy and Tom Hodge dominated the scrums, allowing quick ball out to the backs.

Another great move across the width of the pitch allowed the impressive Spiers room to go over again after 13 minutes, 12-0 Bracknell.

As the rest of the forwards took charge, our second row Alec Brombley, Jamie Johnson, Ben Cotton and Ben Atkins were winning every ruck, and it was Atkins who showed his strength in driving over the line for Bracknell’s third try.

The fourth try quickly followed, in one of the best moves of the match. A quick interception by Spiers and a great run, passing out to left wing Jack McGee to create space, and then out to number 8 Thomas Spencer-Jones on the overlap to score in the corner. An excellent play to gain the bonus point and go in at half time Bracknell 22 Abbey 0.

Bracknell were able to bring on fresh legs throughout the second half, with Bayley Campbell and Marc van Nieuwenhuizen joining the forward line. But it was right winger Harry Baker who scored the first try, powering over after great build up play from the whole team, and again the conversion by Stevens was good.

Although struggling for possession, Abbey finally put some points on the board with a strong run through the centre from their number 13, making the score 29-5. But it was only a matter of time before Bracknell were able to break through again. With the back line of James Barratt, Jake Stone, Richard Mellor and Toby Hullis all controlling midfield and being rotated to keep everyone fresh, and full back James Miles dealing with anything in the air, Abbey could not get a foothold in the match.

Two quick tries by Atkins and Spencer-Jones were answered by a converted try by Abbeys number 2, but it was Bracknell who had the last word with Atkins running in his hat trick, making the final score Bracknell 44 Abbey 12.

Joining in the celebrations were Luke Bull and Izzy Moore Aiono, who were unable to play due to injury and illness but have played their part this season as members of this special squad.

With this result, and remaining unbeaten in the league, Bracknell U14’s retain their Berkshire league title. After an excellent season, they now go on tour to Camber Sands for a bank holiday tournament and the confidence to bring home more silverware.