A test of maturity and game management stood before Bracknell Bs on Sunday as they made the trip over to Oxford to face a Harlequins side struggling in the League and struggling to get numbers.

The game was won before it had even started as the effects of the half term break left Quins with only thirteen players available and then losing a further player to injury in the warm up left them three short. Bracknell having had some late drop outs themselves were left with a bench of 3 which was convenient as the loan of these three players allowed a 15-a-side game to be played out with Quins conceding the points in the league.

It is situations like this you can really get to understand the mental strength of a team and its players, sure Bracknell man-for-man looked the stronger and more skilful team but the top three inches must be focused to avoid the potential banana skin afoot.

Bracknell started the game by far the stronger team stringing together good phases and retaining the ball well. On the 6th minute, retuning to start after a long term injury, James Taylor took advantage of a well worked overlap and jotted the ball down for the first points of the game. Conversion was missed.

It was at this point the mindset just started to drift off… Tom Scott representing Quins in the 3 shirt showed why his involvement in the South West setup was well deserved as he began to cause his club mates all sort of problem in the breakdown earning penalty after penalty to gain good territory the result, against a lazy Bracknell defence, was a well earned try to Quins on 16 minutes. Conversion missed.

The following 19 minutes continued with similar dominance from Quins, Harry Baker and Oli Crook were providing much needed assistance in the home sides direct but effective approach. Bracknell were lacking game management and line speed in defence, every carry resulting in yards conceded. On the 30th minute Callum Baker with a 70 metre dash was able to jot down under the posts, a superb and trademark score from him but in honesty Bracknell were lucky to be ahead once more. Ben Stevens converted 5-12. With the last play of the half Quins managed to score another well worked and well deserved try to bring the score to 10-12.

The half time talk was had in the changing room, away from the freezing conditions, the instructions simple introduce some game management and get off the line in defence.

The second half response was excellent! Bracknell’s three loanees returned and swapped with Toby, Billy and Dan. Kieran moved from 15 to his preferred 10 position and lead exceptionally from this point on, controlling tempo, direction and territory showing great maturity and experience; controlling the emotions when baring this responsibility can be a challenge and lessons are being learnt by these young player with every game and maybe no more so than Kieran on this day as at times his enthusiasm boiled over.

Not 4 minutes into the half Harry Baker began the surge of dominance, fitting naturally into his new position at 12 showing strength and speed Harry scored the first of 29 unanswered second half points. The hard work rate of the forwards and in particular MoM Tom Smith, who demonstrated excellent ball carrying and defensive work created a platform for trys from Callum Baker (42’)[Con], Tom Scott (58’), Joe Baker (64’) [Con] and a final try from Ben Stevens (70’). Final score 42-10

The Bracknell team can be very proud of their win, what could have turned out to be a major slip up for this talented team was turned into an emphatic victory. The leaders stood up and led and the team pulled together to work hard in creating a platform to play from and restrict the opposition from gaining possession of the ball. In the end a very mature performance.

A big thank you must go out to Oxford Harlequins and their coaching staff for being superb hosts, we wish them luck and hope their players will return from half term boosting their numbers for the rest of the season.

GoBRFC!