Chiltern lose out to a very good Bracknell side

On a sunny and mercifully dry afternoon at Bracknell, Chiltern immediately took the game to their high flying opponents and after 5 minutes, quick recycled ball saw Tom Shiel make a slashing break from inside his own half before drawing his man to put Sam Portland over in the corner for a great try. The conversion from Jack Kenyon just fell short but we were then treated to excellent play by both sides before Bracknell reduced the lead with a penalty after 15 minutes.

Bracknell’s big and experienced pack then gained good field position and Chiltern were a bit sloppy clearing their lines at times. Nevertheless the defence was really strong and as we approached half time Chiltern still held a 5 – 3 lead. Regrettably a knock on in the lineout on our own throw saw Bracknell wheel the ensuing scrum and a swift reverse pass saw their big winger given just too much space on the blind side and he went over for a good try well converted from the touchline. Just before halftime a Bracknell attack broke down but scrum half, Ted Reus was adjudged to have infringed and was yellow carded. Chiltern defended the subsequent penalty and turned round 10 – 5 down.

The second half continued much as the first with Chiltern showing skill and enterprise but struggling against the well drilled Bracknell pack. After 60 minutes a mistake in midfield saw the Bracknell flanker slip through to score a try which was converted, 17 – 5. Back came Chiltern and after some excellent attacking play a turnover just outside the Bracknell 22 saw replacement flanker Nick Fischer race over for Chiltern’s second try; the conversion slipped just wide, which meant Chiltern needed to score twice to win. Again they attacked and at times Bracknell were struggling to contain them. As so often happens, however, as Chiltern chased the game a missed tackle 40 metres out saw Bracknell score the decisive try which was converted. Final score, a rather flattering 25 – 10 win for Bracknell.

Chiltern’s performance against a very strong side was excellent and puts them in good heart for the home game against Brixham next Saturday, kick off 2.00pm