Reading RFC 10-29 Bracknell II
Reading went down to a disappointing defeat to a Bracknell II side which started much better than Reading in the first half and were twenty points ahead at half time. Reading improved in the second half but found it difficult to break down the Bracknell defence despite having the majority of the territory and possession.
The Bracknell side started as they meant to go on scoring a try in the second minute when they won a line out and second row James Wright charged through to score an unconverted try.
After the early shock Reading who were showing seven changes from last week’s game came more into it for a spell. They were helped by Bracknell indiscipline resulting in frequent penalties. Reading reduced the deficit when after a good run by Tom Burrows had put them in the Bracknell 22, Bracknell strayed offside and Sam Bowers took advantage to slot home a penalty.
However, from then on the more physical Bracknell side took control of the half with more territory and possession. Using their heavier forwards they launched waves of attack in the Reading 22. They were initially held at bay by the Reading defence, with Will Proctor-Searle prominent.
Whilst Reading’s main attacking threat was the scrum. Bracknell with their taller forwards and well drilled driving posed a significant threat in the line outs. And it was from line out drives that they scored two tries in quick succession both of which were converted to give them a 3-19 lead.
Just before half time when both teams had been reduced to fourteen by yellow cards, Bracknell scored again after another line out drive with winger Luke Schofield bursting over for his second try. The try was not converted to leave the half time score 3-24.
Reading began the second half well. Their scrum domination earning frequent penalties which gave them lots of territory. They were also helped by Bracknell indiscipline which resulted in a string of yellow cards. Reading though found it difficult to break down the Bracknell defence as the game became increasingly scrappy and ill tempered.
Eventually Reading were awarded a penalty close to the Bracknell line and opted for a scrum which they pushed over the line for Will Proctor-Searle, now playing at No8, to score. Bowers added the extra points to make the score 10-24.
Bracknell then put the match to bed when in one of their infrequent second half attacks they scored a breakaway try from a ruck just inside the Reading half to extinguish any hopes Reading had of a come-back.
This was a disappointing result for Reading who were ineffective for large parts of the first half and in the second half apart from the once didn’t have the physical strength or the guile to penetrate the Bracknell defence.
In the end the more physical Bracknell side showed greater commitment in the first half and Reading never looked like overhauling their first half lead.
Reading’s next game is their last home league game of the season against Bicester on 22 March.
Try: Proctor-Searle
Conversion: Bowers
Penalty: Bowers
TEAM: Tom Burrows; Jake Cliff, Alex Rowe, Archie Wright, Josh Cripps; Sam Bowers, Lewis Bowers; Harry Hoxley, Luke Palmer, Steve King; Greg Jackson, Jonathon McKeogh; Romeo Crumplin-Hill, Will Proctor-Searle, Ryan Smith(capt).
Replacements: Alex Fisher, Jamie McIntyre, Mitch Fisher.
Report by Peter Chidgey
