U13s B Team match v Ironside Bs

Despite an early start, the Bracknell massive converged on Battersea Ironsides ready to go; only to find the gates to Ironsides facility firmly locked. Would we see the same from Ironsides defence? Due to Ironsides numbers Bracknell B’s were forced to play 11 a side on a full size pitch, so if nothing else the recent fitness training would be put to good use. Bracknell B’s started the game strongly, playing down a slope which would have looked more at home on Mount Snowdon. From a knock on Bracknell continued to show their dominance in the scrum, putting the Ironside forwards on the back foot. This allowed Skipper Ben McEwan to make a typical sniping scrum half break and cross the white wash for an unconverted score within the first couple of minutes.
From the Ironside restart James Gough plucked the ball from the air Jordan-esque (Michael, not Katie Price). However, Bracknell inexplicably managed to lose the ball from the resultant ruck and Ironside scored what could only be called a dubious try in the right hand corner. It clearly looked to be knocked on, and was definitely one for the TMO but the referee gave it. From there on in Bracknell realised that they could not take their foot off the gas, and they exerted pressure in both the forwards and backs from the restart and further scores followed in quick succession from Harry (twice) and Tom Wilson, which were all converted. The first half came to an end with the score at 26-7, which was a great score but it left the coaches ruing ‘what if’ as the handling and field positioning needed some improvement.
Half time was greeted with the reintroduction of half time oranges, kindly donated by Mrs. Tea Cosy. It was agreed that this should be a regular occurrence during games not only for the nutritional value, but because it kept the players quiet during Coaches half time talks! Bracknell’s dominance clearly showed as Ironside lost three players to injury. Sportingly and unselfishly James, Alex and Joe transferred allegiance to play for Ironsides for the second half. Such gestures should be strongly applauded as it allowed the game to continue, and our thanks go to these players.
From the start it was clear that Bracknell still held the upper hand, exerting constant pressure on the Ironside line. That being said, both Ironside players and supports stepped up the intensity, with claims from the sidelines that Bracknell ‘were big, but not that good’. Obviously this gentleman failed to observe the 26-7 score line, which demonstrated that Bracknell B’s were both big AND good! This was further cemented by Dan Rolfe crashing over for a converted score making it 33-7 (the Ironside supporter decided to keep his opinions to himself after this). Ironsides scored a consolation try at the end, with a nice try that saw the ball go through the hands for a score out wide. The game was brought to a close with the score at 33-14 to allow both teams to form up on the half way line and respectfully observe the two minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday, in the best manner possible.
With such forward dominance the Coaches observed that we could have maybe had a bigger winning margin. And more cohesive interplay was needed; more graft will be expected in training leading up to the first league game of the season. But, it was a strong and well deserved win, and the boys came off the pitch smiling. It was good to see the boys recognise the win with plenty of changing room banter, which will stay in the changing room! This coupled with the resounding A team win meant that the Bracknell squad left Ironsides with a bounce in their step, well done to all!!!!!