In near perfect conditions, Bracknell RFC Under 14s welcomed Winchester RFC to Lilly Hill PArk, for a pair of fixtures, that kept the sidelines thorugholy entertained.

The opening match saw the lads in green take on WInchester "A" side. In a high-paced encounter, Bracknell dominated a large portion of possession and territory, showing power in the forwards and agility in the backs. Captain Braxton Dickinson carried hard all day, and was rewarded with a superb try in the first half. In the centres, Charlie Gomez-Baker showed his trademark footwork, while Freddy Brown controlled the game skillfully from fly-half. A huge defensive effort came from the two George's, Whitbread and Moran, who were at their destructive best. The front row stood firm all day at the scrum and across the field, hooker, Bailey Anstead was a menace at the breakdown. Despite being in charge for the majority of the game, Bracknell struggled against a slick WInchester back line, who exploited gaps and used an effective kicking game to create oppurtunity. A second half try from Will Baker, who was never beng stopped from eight metres out, personified Bracknell's day. When it went right, Bracknell were brutally effective. Had it not been for being held up over the try line twice, the scoreline may well have swung in Bracknell's favour. The final score of 22-12 to Winchester reflected the close nature of the game.

The second match saw the Under 14 Development squad face Winchester "B". Bracknell started slowly, allowing early pressure from Winchester to tell, and soon found that a lack-lustre start, leads to a tough day. Once Bracknell switched on, they were more than a match for the visitors. Forward momentum created by Oscar Heimman and Rowan Lear advanced Bracknell down the field, while in the centre, debutant George Nelson had an oustanding game. George ran with purpose, tackled hard and supported his teammates all match long. The rotating half-back line up of Hayden Lawson, Zabi Parker-Silito and Finn Bond kept the link between the pack and backs flowing all day long, while out wide, Oliver Taylor got through a huge amount of work. Benn Staines was on top in the tackle count, while Harrison Bennett dominated at the breakdown, with some monster clear outs. Highlight of the day came from Thomas Kennedy, whose blistering run ended with a score in the corner, finsihed off with an NFL celebratory dive over the line. Despite an overwhelming scoreline, the Bracknell performance improved, the further the game progressed. A Winchetser win, 31-5, saw them double up over the hosts.

Bracknell can now look forwad to the opening round of the Berkshire Youth Cup, that takes place on the 21st September, where they will welcome Maidenhead and Thatcham, while also looking forwrad to a return venture to Winchester in the new year!