Tough opening at Chess Valley

After lots of umming and aahing about the hardness of pitch, the power of the sun, the rate of thaw, the approaching clouds, and eventually switching the pitches, the game was on. 11.20am KO, playing try-line to 22m line.

A very big crowd had turned up, which included some members of the local county set-up to cast their eye over some of the Chess Valley boys. One imagines that they were impressed as the home side raced away in the first half, scoring 7 tries for a 39-0 half time lead.

It was a tough half for Bracknell who included several players out of position, Luke and Ben playing their second-ever games, and Ryan making a very good fist of his first ever game, being introduced into the 2nd Row. We also welcomed back the bronzed Josh after his world-tour, and Max after his lengthy injury lay-off.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, there was some good play; Tim from the back, Josh behind the scrum and Oscar, Joe and Josh in midfield all handled well when we got the ball, and managed to make some headway going forward, and indeed were a little unlucky not to get Alex MH over in the corner after some fine handling.

Up front, the front row of Callum, Seth and Daniel, did a great job against monstrous opposition, and indeed when it settled down achieved decent parity in the scrums. Behind them Tom and Kyle, not only did well in the tight but put in a considerable amount of fine defensive work.

So half time came, with the boys remarkably buoyant, and after a rousing motivational talk, some fine technical and tactical observations made, and plans formulated, the boys came flying out for the second half – and immediately went a further try behind. 0-44 with most of the second half to come.

However, it turns out that the quick 2nd half try concession was just forced by habit, and thereafter, the game became a good contest. Chess Valley have a lot of boys for just one team, but frustratingly (though not unusual) not quite enough for two teams, and the second half saw some different faces in the opposition.

So three tries were scored in the second half, all of which were fully earned and deserved from some great team play. The first was scored after soaking up more pressure, and through great driving play from the forwards, working their way downfield, and earning a penalty. Spurning the chance of 3 points, the boys chose to run, and with a choice of strong ball carriers, the ball came to Kyle who thundered through the defence for what seemed like a consolation try at the time.

With 5 spare forwards the team were able to keep up the pressure, both at the breakdown, where Adam, Peter and Max were excellent, and also in the tight with Kyle and Alex G taking time in the front row, and Tom, Jonty and Ryan much go-forward. Ed, guesting on the wing during the second half, also achieved some good bursts forward, and was effective on the kick-chases.

This enabled much quick ball, and with “hair-cut” Josh, Joe and Oscar to the fore, two more tries were scored by first “sun-tanned” Josh and secondly Tim, through the quick hands and quick thinking of their team-mates.

Tough first half. Great Attitude. Successful second half. Again, excellent “team” tries.