Bracknell U18's A 31 - 0 Witney U18 A

In the words of head coach Dan Ap Dafydd, this was as close to a complete performance as you're going to see from any side. Bracknell hosted Witney in their 2nd league outing of the season, and maintained the unbeaten start to the season in some style.

Playing with the 3 P's of Pace, Power and Precision is always the aim and Bracknell achieved this right from the opening whistle. Perhaps the most impressive element was the control and execution of the core skills and to maintain your shape whilst playing with such intensity.

This pressure told early, with a flowing multi phased move completed by Grant Coates in the far left corner. The conversion was missed.

The Bracknell intensity was evident in their defensive patterns too, forcing Witney to resort to the kicking option as there was no way through Bracknell's claustrophobic defensive line speed. Of course, this is a good option against a blitz defence, but ultimately Witney were kicking ball back to a quick and strong running back three, who returned the ball with interest.

The Bracknell pressure told once more after 10 mins with Patrick Fitzgerald driving over from close quarters. Jake Findley struck the conversion well and Bracknell led 12 - 0.

Ultimately, it is difficult to maintain the level of intensity Bracknell had achieved, and this was the case in the 2nd quarter, but whilst the pace may have dropped, the execution of core skills did not. Witney had their moments during the half, but they were limited. Decision making is important, especially at penalty opportunities, as 3 points can be critical to moving the score on in tight games, but they don't secure bonus points. So choosing when to kick for goal, or for the line for an attacking line out is one such decision. This is game management, and a skill that is learnt through experience, and a series of such decision were made midway through the second quarter, subjectively perhaps the wrong decisions were made, and opportunities missed.

Eventually Bracknell scored their 3rd try from more pressure and a trade mark break around the fringes by Ally Walton. The conversion was missed. Bracknell led 17 - 0 at half time.

The message at half time was to continue the good work, try and get beyond the illusive 4 phases as often as possible and to keep chopping the Witney ball carriers to create a turnover opportunity, which had worked so well in the 1st half.

Looking for the bonus point score, Bracknell continued their attacking intent and Witney worked hard to keep them out. A flowing move upfield created a 3 man overlap on the right. Josh Knight feed Tom Scott who should have straightened and attacked the inside shoulder of the covering defender to put Matan Sayegh in to the corner. Tom, perhaps sniffing a try for himself delayed the pass, hitting the contact which ultimately made the pass far more difficult than it should have been, a certain try was butchered!

The final two try's came from a superb training paddock move, individual running and supporting lines of running.

The first came from an attacking scrum 10 meters out on the right. Callum Pearse at 10 wrapped around Jake Findley at 12 and found Patrick Fitzgerald running an exquisite line to bust a whole and score under the posts (Patrick's horde of supporting young ladies would have been impressed!!!). Jake Findley converted.

The 2nd and final try of the half, was finished beautifully by some silky running skills from Elliott Maddison, but the initial break owed much to the inside supporting lines and communication from Tom Field. Toms line was so good, that the Witney inside defenders just had to stay with him, creating the initial gap for Elliott to exploit, but he finished exceptionally well from there with much still to do. Jake covered again.

So this was an all round complete display of 15 man rugby, so well played guys, but be assured there are some tough games to come, where the 3 P's will be needed for the full 70 minutes, decisions making will be important and try scoring opportunities finished off.

The free flowing nature of the game owed much to the excellent referring of Julian Rainsford, undoubted one of the best referees in Berkshire, if not beyond. Many thanks Julian for your contribution to a great match to watch.