Sat 17 Feb 2024
Bracknell IV 22 Shire Hall 33
2024 is proving to be a successful year with Shire Hall looking to extend their winning run to four straight wins. They were faced with a Bracknell side determined to improve their bottom place in the league on the luxury of the 1st team pitch. In true Shire style, the scoring was opened after only 2 minutes when Luke Jellicoe broke through the Bracknell defence to score the first try. Rhys Stewart, without the aid of a kicking tee (left in the changing room!) so nearly added the two points with a drop kick. If Shire thought the flood gates would open up as in their previous encounter with Bracknell, it was very much a different story. Great defence by the home side stopped many good Shire attacks but they were unable to prevent Laurie Moss going over with Rhys Stewart adding the extra points. After 20 minutes, Rhys Stewart cleverly kicked ahead and regained the ball to cross the line and then add the conversion. Complacency started to rear its ugly head as many chances were lost due to bad decisions. Not passing when the supporting player was the better option became common and threatened to derail Shire’s game. A fine passing movement by Bracknell on the half hour saw their winger go over in the corner to cut the deficit to 14 points.
Half Time Score: Bracknell IV 5 Shire Hall 19
At half time, Shire replaced Neil Evans with the returning Tom Fisher. Bracknell changed half their team and Shire knew they were in for a difficult time. Much against the run of play, Bracknell spilled the ball on the halfway line and Luke Jellicoe pounced on the ball to sprint the 50 yards to the try line. He said after the game that he didn’t realise how big the pitch was! Rhys Stewart added the conversion, and the bonus point was secured. The following 15 minutes were a nightmare for Shire as the stronger Bracknell team turned the screw and scored a further 12 points to reduce the deficit to just 9 points. With 15 minutes to go, a stroke of luck came Shire’s way. They were awarded a penalty on the 22 which Chris Wiseman typically took quickly. Everyone stood still and watched as Chris ran for the line. No whistle came to prevent this move so, with advice from the sidelines, he duly touched down. Rhys Stewart converted, and Shire had increased the lead to 16 points. Bracknell weren’t done yet and with 5 minutes left on the clock scored their 4th try. Improved defensive work and good management by Shire saw the game out and the necessary 5 point result.
The scene is now finely set. In two weeks’ time, Shire play High Wycombe at home. As the league stands, we are 2 points behind Reading Abbey with a game in hand. If we can beat High Wycombe, then we will be promoted. We must field our strongest possible side with a bench of finishers to accomplish this - it has been 13 years since we last achieved a league title. Come on Shire!
Final Score: Bracknell IV 22 Shire Hall 33
Tries: Luke Jellicoe (2), Laurie Moss, Rhys Stewart, Chris Wiseman
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (4)
MOTM: Gwyn Robins – many carries and great defensive work
DOTD: Sam Watkins – giving a horrible hospital pass to Arun !
