The U17’s League Season commenced with a difficult home tie against Reading Abbey. On a grey damp day, Bracknell were well supported by parents, siblings and girlfriends alike. Andy was drafted in at the last minute to perform his refereeing duties which he did admirably. But also major appreciation to Tim for running the line.

Bracknell, playing up the Pitch 2 slope, quickly found themselves under pressure in the first half. On 10 minutes Reading Abbey drove the pack backwards for a full 40 yard maul, something I don’t think I have witnessed before. The team survived that attack but in the 15th minute Abbey went over for a try in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed leaving the score at 0-5.

Abbey had arrived with three especially big players at Centre, No. 8 and Lock. The centre made a strong break in the 20th minute crossing the line under the posts. But well done to whoever managed to get their hand under the ball (Charlie?) as the ref ruled the ball had been held up. Bracknell rarely got into the opposition half but as Harry delivered a searching long kick to touch on the Abbey 22, the ref blew for half time. We had done well to keep the score to 0-5.

After what must have been a truly inspirational half time talk by the Head Coach, Bracknell came out all guns blazing! Finally after good pressure Mitchell went over in the corner using his strength well to touch the ball down before being pushed into touch. I think this was the first time he had the chance to run in open space. Great kick by Liam from the touch line, which just sailed past the right upright meant it was 5 points each at 40 minutes.

On 54 minutes Abbey were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted (5-8). Ten minutes later a clearance kick which did not quite go deep enough allowed the Abbey wing to run back at Bracknell and with defence cover stretched the try was scored again in the corner. It was a shame we could not get a similar “ankle tap” tackle that Liam (I think) made on the Abbey centre a few minutes earlier. Unconverted the final score was 5-13.

Bracknell finished strongly exerting pressure on the resilient Abbey defence but unable to find a way through. Matt made a good break from the back of the scrum ending 5 yards short of the line and the team continued to pass and kick through to probe but to no avail. At the last play Abbey kicked out for a (probably!) deserved win.

Head coach, Paul, commented the second half was a better and stronger performance…hopefully one the team can build on. (and he kept his aftermatch team talk to less than 20 minutes!)

Gareth