Hungerford hold firm to deny the Bs

Remarkably both games followed a very similar pattern with only the last gasp try from Bracknell separating the games in terms of the actual scoreline.

In the previous game Bracknell had raced into a two-try lead, and there was some hope that another good start would set the boys on their way this time around. Unfortunately, aided by some sloppy play, it was Hungerford who came flying out of the blocks.

Bracknell made a mess of receiving the kick-off, and a couple of knock ons, some missed tackles and some poor breakdown work they found themselves with their backs to the try line. Even clearing their lines proved a little tricky initially, when the forwards finally won the ball, but eventually they did and Joe provided a good touch finder to relieve the pressure.

Unfortunately, Hungerford weren't operating to the same tempo, and the line-out was taken quickly, with Bracknell paying little attention and their centre raced in, past several attempted tackles from around half way, to score near the posts. Two minutes in, and the conversion was added, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides some 50 minutes later.

For the next ten minutes or so, Bracknell struggled to get into the game, with Hungerfords running and general intensity particularly at the breakdown, putting Bracknell onto the back foot. Eventually the pressure told again, as Hungherford added a second try wide on the left as Bracknell again turned over ball, and then fell off some tackles.

Bracknell needed to up their game and play and the introduction of some subs mid-way through the half saw the team energised, particularly Lewis, playing his first game since the very first day of the season, who added some intensity to the defensive and ruck work, and also Tom wide on the left who brought some zip into the game, making several quick darting runs.

The balance of the game started to even out, and shortly before half time Bracknell pulled a try back when Josh E broke down the blind side of a scrum and fed the ball on to Theo who evaded his opposite number and broke through the cover defence to pull 5 points back.

After a poor first quarter, and a better second quarter, Bracknell knew that they had to up their game in the second half, and that is precisely what they did, with almost the entire half spent in the Hungerford territory. Wave after wave of attacks were thwarted by excellent - and numerous - Hungerford defenders, and a fine defensive performance by the visiting team.

Max R proved a constant thorn in the side of Hungerford with his penetrating runs. When Hungerford managed to clear their lines with kicks, the likes of Tim, Josh J and Tom returned the ball with considerable pace, and the breakdown work of the whole forward pack was a vast improvement on the first half showing. Any number of boys could have been chosen, but Adam received the Man of the Match award for his work in this area.

In the forwards, their were great strides made with ball in hand by Tom, Lewis, Daniel and Max H, but still the try would not come.

The one time Bracknell did get the ball over the line, they were thwarted by the ref's whistle which brought them back for a Bracknell scrum.

Eventually though the pressure told and good handling just about enabled Tim to squeeze over in the corner for the try. Unfortunately it was to wide, too late, as the conversion attempt fell just short, and brought about the ref's final whistle.

10-12 the final score, and across the two game with Hungerford (Bracknell won 12-5 previously), probably a fair reflection of the closeness of the two teams. Bracknell will rue the slow start to the game, but can be very pleased with the pressure they exerted for most of the second half, and it has to be said that the defensive excellence of Hungerford in the second period really won them the game.