It was fair to say that the management and the coaching team were disappointed with the turnout for this away fixture on a damp, foggy afternoon in Surrey. With the exception of the small contingent of players representing the county, the majority of the registered squad chose not to travel, leaving a hardy 17 to battle it out with a large Sutton & Epsom squad.

This was billed as a B fixture to be played over 3 periods of 20 minutes (the last period was eventually played over 30 mins!).

It was clear in the first 20 minute period that Bracknell's extra squad depth was going to reap rewards against S&E's lesser lights. The early exchanges saw Bracknell make ground through the midfield with some excellent barnstorming runs from Jake Findley and Tom Scott. With the concerted pressure in the S&E red zone, gaps began to form, and one pass from a quick tap penalty allowed Sam Dunks to bust a hole in the defence to score the first try. This was converted by Oli Radford.

The restart was kicked short of the 10m line, and Bracknell's dominance continued from the centre field scrum. Tom Scott broke the line again and from the breakdown the ball was moved right with two quick passes, for Jake Findley to complete the move with an easy walk in. Oli Radford converted again.

Bracknell failed to capitalise on this excellent start as complacency set in, and slowly S&E began to exploit the increasing error count from the away team. The performance that had promised so much at the start, became lethargic, laboured and very quiet. Basic errors, particularly at the breakdown became the norm, and but for a couple of excellent turnovers by Josh Knight, S&E would have exploited Bracknell loss of composure.

The 1st period ended with Bracknell leading 0 - 14. S&E brought on the big guns for the 2nd period, and Bracknell's problems continued, as a far more physical 15 now took the game to Bracknell.

Once again Bracknell lost the ball at the breakdown just in the oppositions half, the back line expecting to receive the ball struggled to reorganise defensively, allowing the S&E 10 to exploit the opportunity with an exceptional step and go cutting through the tackle line, and out strip the cover defence, and excellent individual converted try.

As Bracknell struggled to find their feet again, ball carriers became isolated as the support failed to react quickly, the handling was slow, lateral and predictable. S&E continued to dominate. Bracknell certainly had their chances in this period, one particular flowing move resulted in a wild inside pass on the far right, which was expertly picked off his toes by an ever improving Ben White. The move continued, and Bracknell battered the oppositions try line for multiple phases, but could not break the resolute defence. With some relief the home team cleared their line, and attacked upfield were another good break from their 10 and intelligent kick behind the Bracknell defensive line, bounced favourably for the S&E centre to run in unopposed for another converted try.

This was the final act of the 2nd period, and the teams turned around, level at 14 - 14.

With a limited squad the Bracknell line up was shuffled, rather than changed, but Dans final opportunity to remind the players of the key areas of focus appeared to gel the teams resolve and inject some composure.

Slowly but surely, Bracknell began to take charge again, although gaining sustained continuity proved illusive for periods of the final 30 minutes. However, some structure was returning, holes in the S&E defence were beginning to open and Bracknell began taking the opportunities they created.
Attacking in the S&E 22 the pressure told, when Ben Hallaways took a hammer ball at pace in to the 10/12 channel, broke the tackle and used his pace to stride past the desperate defensive cover. The conversion was charged down (Shorten that run up under the posts next time I think Oli!).

Bracknell continued to dominate territory, but S&E managed to breakout but then fell victim to an exceptional piece of individual skill by Josh Knight. Covering back, he made the tackle and was on his feet in a flash to steel the ball. The ball was moved left from the resultant ruck, for Tom Crawshaw to out pace the defence tight to the left touchline and show his ability finish half chances. Oli Radford converted and Bracknell led 14 - 26.

The game was finished with another piece of exquisite individual skill. Ben Hallaways again broke right, deep in the Bracknell half and fed Callum 'Lee Evans' Baker. With a great deal to do, Callum out stripped his opposite winger, kicked behind the full back, won the race to the ball and with some control fly hacked forward before touching the ball down. Jake Findley converted to complete the scoring, and Bracknell had a hard fought victory 14 - 33.

This was very satisfying, due the disparity in the squad numbers, and was well worth the trip. Well done to all that travelled, and we hope to see everyone at training on Wednesday as we have to put out two sides next week in our respective leagues.