After travelling to Reading for what some of the players billed their biggest game of the season, Bracknell came off second best in a hard fought match.

It was a dream start for Bracknell when the stand-in Scrum-Half, Max Eastwood, broke from the base of a scrum just outside the Reading 22 yard line then showed good pace and strength to brush off two reading defenders before crossing the line for the first points of the game. The conversion was missed.

Bracknell lead 5 - 0

After some ferocious defending from the entire back row (Olly Collis, Matt Betts and Tristan Carter) and a strong centre partnership (Jamie Francis and Samir Karbouch), Bracknell found themselves winning a penalty 30 yards out which was well converted by Ben Radford.

Bracknell lead 8 - 0

Reading were down but not out, having extended periods with the ball putting pressure on a strong Bracknell defense, eventually crossed the line to score their first points of the match. The try was converted.

Bracknell lead 8 - 7

Half time couldn't come quick enough for both teams after an intense and very physical first half.

At the start of the second half, it was Reading who started the better team, retaining possession and scoring early on to take the lead. The conversion was missed.

Reading lead 12 - 8

Bracknell soon found themselves with ball in hand in the Reading 22 and after some quick thinking by Max Eastwood a penalty was soon turned into a real scoring opportunity for the No. 9, who hit contact just before the line and reaching the ball for the... top of the post protector. This was deemed as 'held up' by the referee and a scrum was awarded to Bracknell. Some solid scrummaging by the front row of Harry Dainton, Charlie Taylor and Anthony Smith resulting in Bracknell gaining some good ball to work with. After some quick thinking and quicker hands from the Bracknell No. 10, Samir Karbouch powered his way over the line for Bracknell's second try of the game. This was converted.

Bracknell lead 15 - 12

After what had seemed like a lifetime, the second half still raged on with the tension and nerves building from players and spectators alike.

Pressure was put on Reading by some good tactical kicking from No. 10, and some great following up by the Bracknell back three of Nick Cox, Harry Watson and Alex Brooks. Who all showed both their defensive and attacking skills at intervals throughout the game. But with a lack of possession due to what was a forward dominated match the three never found the opportunity they would have liked, to put their mark on the game.

Some poor Bracknell discipline resulted in Reading working their way down the field only to be held up over the line AGAIN by an impressive Bracknell defence. But after the following scrum, Bracknell's defence opened up the smallest of gaps, only for the Reading No. 8 to charge over for their third try of the game. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Reading lead 17 - 15

After Reading's try, only a few minutes remained, Bracknell managed to recover the ball quickly and with some great tactical decisions from Ben Radford at No. 10, Bracknell had a line out in the opposition 22 with only seconds to spare to cross the line. A spectacular take from Will Rumbol, who with his second row partner Tom Case had both been in very good form all afternoon, resulted in a driving maul that surged forward and was seemingly unstoppable. But after multiple warnings from the referee about leg lifting in the maul which Bracknell did not respond to, a Penalty was awarded to Reading. And with that, the final kick of the game.

Reading win 17 - 15

A mention must go out to Ben Pilgrim for his return to the Green, Black and Gold showing that no form has been lost. Kieran Pell showed his usual ferocity in contact coming off the bench to only stregnthen the already impressive Bracknell defensive lines. And Max Eastwood showed that when his team needs him, he really can step up to the mark filling in with a solid performance for his first ever run out at Scrum-Half.

Man of the Match has been awarded to Ben Radford, the Bracknell Fly-Half, who showed good nerve under pressure and solid decision making skill all the way through the game giving Bracknell a solid foundation and direction throughout.

A tough game for both sides but a great performance from Bracknell with many positives. The coaches and players all now know what needs to be worked on and this will soon be rectified in training. But after this display; the rest of the season can only be looked at with optimism.

Well done Bracknell.

Points Scorers:

T - Max Eastwood, Samir Karbouch
C - Ben Radford (x1)
P - Ben Radford (x1)