Slough and Havant festivals

A Fantastic day for Bracknell RFC U9 Minis this weekend. The A team were entered in the Slough Tournament and went through the day unbeaten, conceding only 1 try against 17 scored and came away worthy winners. The captain for the day – Thomas Pilcher picked up the trophy, very appropriately as he was the day’s top scorer with a personal tally of 5 tries. The whole squad were magnificent and improved steadily as the day wore on with aggressive tackling, notably by Paddy Spiers and Jake Stone, superb driving at rucks especially by Daniel Salter, Alec Brombley and Andrew McNeil. Bayley Campbell showed strength and flair all day, Jordan Spooner always alive to the opportunity scored a real poacher’s try and Lewis Garrington continues to shine with his elusive running and well timed passes. Oscar Todman has incredible drive and strength for one so young. Alexander Bridges the smallest member of the squad managed a tackle and 10 meter drive on his own which led to an important try in the final. But the moment of the day was an all encompassing try saving tackle by Luke Bull.

Results:
Bracknell 2 v 0 Drifters
Bracknell 6 v 0 Slough
Bracknell 3 v 0 Albanians B
Bracknell 2 v 1 Albanians A
FINAL
Bracknell 4 v 0 Drifters

Try Scorers: Thomas 5, Jake 3, Lewis 2, Alexander, Oscar, Dan, Alec, Luke, Jordan S, Paddy, all 1 each

The C team meanwhile had to travel all the way to Havant for an ‘Emerging Players’ Tournament with James Miles and a few B team players to strengthen and make up the squad. Thank-you to those who travelled to make the fixture possible for some of our newer and less experienced players for whom chances to play in events such as this are limited. Three pool games were won against other sides that were clearly also genuine C teams with the only pool loss against Guernsey who were apparently unashamedly an A team on a rare trip across the water! A tiring team then lost to Cobham in the semi-final, who were another very strong outfit who went on to draw the final match with Guernsey.
Great credit to all the boys who played for their commitment and effort. The two teams who beat them were of a different standard (according to our tame ref David who oversaw them both in other games!) and therefore a record of 3 wins from 5 represents a winning record overall and success in all of the games in which they realistically had a chance! Particular credit is due for the Alton result where the team turned around 2:1 down at half time and showed greats guts and spirit to come back and win the second half and the game.

Results:
Bracknell 3 – Alton 2 ,
Bracknell 4 – Trojans 1,
Bracknell 1 – Guernsey 6,
Bracknell 4 – Andover 0
Semi final – Bracknell 0, Cobham 5.

Try scorers: Brett 4, James M 4, James T 2, Jordan R 2