Bracknell III 19 Shire Hall 10
Prior to kick off, both sides had recorded three victories to sit in the top half of the league. Shire still had key players unavailable, especially props, but were able to field a full side. In the warm up, however, Billy Wigley pulled up injured and so Shire only had one substitute. Nikita Tchachenko stepped to fill the prop position whilst Jamie Pedder and Luke Griffith filled in at second row. This was also the game that saw the return of Jonny Parry after a long period of injury.
From the outset, Bracknell attacked hard, but Shire’s defence was solid. Bracknell had some dangerous runners, but they were stopped in their tracks by some excellent tackling. After 10 minutes, Shire’s defence was stretched and their full back crossed easily. This seemed to spur Shire into action, and they used the advantage of the slope to great effect. From close range, Jamie Pedder crashed over for his first try of the season only 3 minutes later. Andy Scanlon took over the kicking duties in the absence of both Rhys Stewart and Billy Wigley but could not add the extras. Strong running in the centres by Luke Jellicoe and Andy Ryan and speed from Jonny Parry and Michael Tripsa were very evident. Andy Scanlon’s use of the boot was very effective with some fine line kicking. Shire added to their score when the ball was recycled well after a messy lineout allowing Andy Scanlon time and space to go over. His poor attempt at a drop goal conversion nearly earned him DOTD! Bracknell then went down to 14 men when their scrum half was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. However, Shire could not capitalise on the numerical advantage, and it was Bracknell who scored in the last play of the half when their dangerous Fijian centre crashed through to score under the posts.
Half Time Score: Bracknell III 12 Shire Hall 10
At half time, it was evident that Shire felt they were the better side as they had had more possession than Bracknell. Despite now playing up the slope, this did not deter Shire as they continued to pound the Bracknell defence. Good runs from Matt Choules, Jamie Pedder and Luke Griffith came to nothing as the Bracknell defence was sound. Gwyn Robins was up to his customary jackaling best, but all this possession provided no reward. On the hour a superb tackle by Harry Stubbs resulted him having to leave the field to be replaced by debutant Jack Settle. Unfortunately, Jack was sent to the bin for an illegal action not long after. From the sidelines this seemed a harsh decision by the referee. Bracknell now had a man advantage, but Shire’s spirit prevented them from increasing their lead. Bracknell were now putting huge pressure on the Shire line, and it was breached four minutes from time when the lively Bracknell full back broke through a couple of tackles to go over. The difficult conversion was added, and Shire’s hopes of at least coming away with a losing bonus point disappeared.
Shire’s resolve and desire could not be faulted against a strong Bracknell side. Possibly a draw might have been a fairer result but some days it just doesn’t go your way. Today was not Shire’s day although they did deserve to come away with something for all their effort and endeavour. Next up are league leaders Aldermaston who have had a strong start to the season. Availabilities for this game look better and hopefully we will be able to field squad with a full bench.
Final Score: Bracknell III 19 Shire Hall 10
Tries: Jamie Pedder, Andy Scanlon
MOTM: Matt Choules – great in attack and defence
DOTD: Jack Settle – yellow card
