Bracknell Under 13’s got their 2024/25 season started in a pair of epic fixtures against Teddington, that kept the large crowd of supporters entertained from the first kick off to the final whistle. With the team taking the step up from mini rugby to the junior format for the first time this season, the coaching team and players expected a great showing, and were not disappointed.

The day started in wonderful conditions as the U13s took on Teddingington “A”. With team Captain George Moran sidelined through injury, Finnley Bond stepped up to lead his side. A bright start saw competition across the field, as each team vied for control. Bracknell began to get the upper hand and pushed forward, dominating the scrum and utilising the strength of George Whitbread to make some impactful runs. After a period of sustained pressure, the deadlock was broken and Bracknell had their first score of the season, as Max Wiley barrelled over for the games opening try. Teddington hit back and began to put the ball through the hands with some slick passes, and only a knock on as they got to the whitewash prevented the scores from being levelled. Bracknell lead the half 7-0 at half time, but the game was about to really spark into life as the second half kicked off.

Teddington gathered from the restart and began to power through the phases, testing the Bracknell defences. Big tackle followed, big tackle, but a lapse of concentration at the breakdown gave Teddington all the time they needed as they levelled the score line, dotting down for the first try of the half. Bracknells response was strong in attack, with Max Shuttleworth carrying the ball with great impact, taking the team forward at every opportunity. Excellent work at the breakdown saw Teddington turn the ball over, and utilising quick play, put the ball through the hands, stretching Bracknell beyond their limits, resulting in the visitors second score of the day. Bracknell unloaded its bench of substitutes and balanced the books, as the match become an end to end affair. Cheered on by their family and friends, Bracknell looked to regain some ground. Handling errors begun to creep in, resulting in a third Teddington try. The Bracknell response was swift and saw possibly the best solo effort of the day. Will Baker gathered the ball and stormed up the pitch, barging through defenders and rapidly picking up the pace as he stormed towards the try line. A final drive at the line saw the try line crossed, and Bracknell had reduced the deficit to a single score. This was as good as it got, as in the final minute, Teddington capitilised on a spilled ball as Bracknell defended their try line, and dived over for their fourth, and the final score of the match.

A final scoreline of 14 – 28 showed Bracknell how they need to improve over the rest of the season, but the determination, technical ability and enjoyment was clear for all to see. A brilliant first match for the U13s.

Second up on the day was the U13s Development squad, lead out by Oscar Heimann, facing a mixed Teddington squad, that featured a majority of the “A” squad. The match was always going to be very tough for the Development squad, but they met the challenge head on, with some outstanding performances.

The Bracknell forward pack took their time to get going, but once they found their feet, were more than a match for the powerful Teddington team. Bracknell never backed down in this match up, fronting up well in the contact zone, battling away at the breakdown and putting together some silky attacking plays. With Billy Brumpton dictating play from the centre of the park, Riley Lewington was able to get his hands on the ball plenty of times, and show some fast footwork to evade the Teddington defence. Hayden Lawson’s substitution onto the pitch bought a spark to Bracknell, with the team gaining momentum from his first match appearance on the year. Benn Staines found himself in the thick of the action, making multiple tackles and forward runs, while out on the wing, Josh Marshalsea, putting in 100% effort, covering a hug amount of ground throughout the match. Bracknell’s ill discipline cost them in this game, resulting on Teddington being able to get a foot hold early on, never releasing the pressure, taking another win on the day.

The Development squads showed great heart throughout the game, and looked to be getting better and better with each play. The squad held their heads high, with each and every player stepping up and working together, for one another, throughout the fixture.

Players of the Match awards went to Hayden Lawson and Riley Lewington, both awarded for their exceptional performances.