The Bracknell U8 A-Team delivered a performance that was as polished as it was ruthless to win the Slough RFC Mini Rugby festival on Sunday at Upton Park.

Described by an opposition coach as ‘well drilled’, the Bracknell lads put Aldermaston and Drifters to the sword by nine tries to one and eight tries to one respectively after a slow but successful start to the day, dispatching Old Albanians ‘B’ six tries to four.

The lads’ mettle was tested against what turned out to be out to be the stiffest opposition that the team would face prior to the in the form of the highly motivated Bracknell ‘B’ outfit, in a tightly contested match during which no quarter was asked or given, and ending three tries to one in favour of the ‘A’s’.

Despite tired legs and various bumps and bruises collected throughout a long morning of rugby, the team assembled once again for the final match in the highest of spirits and determined that the hard work of the morning would translate into silverware in the afternoon.

The match started well with Bracknell leading 2-1 at the break but Old Albanians counter-attacked ferociously and tasted success early in the second half. Bracknell replied with two tries at the other end of the field but Old Albanians were simply not going to yield and got another soon afterwards.

With the Bracknell leading by just four tries to three and Old Albanians hot on attack, the final minutes were a real test of character for the Bracknell boys as they held their defensive line intact under sustained pressure until the final whistle sounded and the tournament was won.

The Bracknell Under Eight A’s were Sam Clough, Matthew Dalrymple, Jamie Brown, Oscar Jackson, Aggie Halley, Alex MacDonald, Jarryd Wallace and Ki Morgan.