Sat 1 Oct 2022
Shire Hall 68 Bracknell IV 7
Finally Shire Hall’s league season kicked off in style with a comprehensive victory over a spirited Bracknell team. Shire set their stall out from the very first minute when Tom Overend went over in the corner after some quick hands from the Shire backs. This was Tom’s debut try for the club and the resulting conversion from Rhys Stewart was magnificently landed from a very tight angle. Two more tries from James Pritchard and Jonny Parry, both converted by Rhys, saw Shire 21 – 0 ahead before ten minutes were up on the clock. Bracknell seemed to have no answer to our speed of play and quick hands. A fourth try from Luke Jellicoe ensured the bonus point after only 25 minutes.
At this point, Shire seemed to take their foot off the pedal and Bracknell’s forwards started to make inroads. Some good effective tackling by Chris Wiseman, Jamie Cockerill and James Pritchard helped to stem the tide before James Pritchard steadied things by scoring his second try, converted by Rhys. Deservedly Bracknell scored their try just before half time to justify their improved play.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 35 Bracknell IV 7
It didn’t take long before Shire extended their lead with a try in the corner from Jamie Cockerill. This time Rhys could not convert. Bracknell continued to press but Shire’s defence held firm. A third try from James Pritchard and a second from Jonny Parry, both converted by Rhys, extended Shire’s lead. A solo effort from Luke Jellicoe and a third from Jonny Parry, both converted by Rhys, sealed the emphatic victory. We did actually finish with only 13 men on the pitch as Tom Overend and Andy Carson were both forced to leave the field after sustaining injuries.
Our next fixture is in two weeks when we visit Drifters. If we can continue in the same way, then we must be confident of a good result.
Final Score: Shire Hall 68 Bracknell IV 7
Tries: James Pritchard (3), Jonny Parry (3), Luke Jellicoe (2), Tom Overend, Jamie Cockerill
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (9)
MOTM: James Pritchard for his 3 ties, excellent line out work and general support play.
DOTD: Neil Evans for pretending to be a fly half!
