A new season saw us make a long trip to Bracknell for a pre-season friendly where the plan was for both sides to try out new combinations moves etc. So we had mixed teams with four quarters of 30 mins. This generally worked pretty well and it turned out to be a real test and hard fought contest – more of which later.

First up were the sort of B team – we were immediately on the back foot and struggled to get out of our 22. Looked like it was going to be a really long afternoon in prospect but they tacked and fought like demons and somehow kept the opposition out. When we did eventually get forward we looked dangerous and George kicked a penalty to put us ahead – an unusual decision in a friendly and one which would have led to a yard of orange juice had there been one behind the bar. The game was now more even and after more good play Sam went over in the corner. Toing and froing continued and Bracknell pulled a converted try back but then from an excellent backs move and really quick thinking from Ellis, Max scored a great try which Ellis converted for a 15-7 win or 12-7 according to Damian!

Th sort of A team were up next but struggled to get any foothold against a big powerful team. Tackling and effort was again great and they worked really hard for each other but they eventually succumbed to the pressure and conceded a converted try for a 0-7 defeat.

Onto the Bs again for the third quarter – the game was again evenly matched and this time we fell behind to a converted try. But heads never dropped and we worked our way back into it in creating an overlap which we actually converted as Malachi went over converted by George. We were probably on top now and Sam went over after another great backs move to put us ahead and this was topped off by Nathan diving under the posts for a final 19-7 victory. Diving might look great but does run the risk of riling the opposition – in the old days retribution would have ensued!!

As were up last – again this was a really hard fought game but we had more territory and from an excellent kick through Nathan gathered to put us ahead - again a dive!! Bracknell fought back and pressure brought an equalising try which left all to play for towards the end – but this time we got forward and Ryan powered over to give us a hard fought 12-7 victory in the final quarter.

This was a really difficult test as a first game against a strong well organised outfit – they were actually bigger than us by and large and while they stayed the right side of the law and the game was played in an excellent spirit, tackles were pretty brutal and intense given they are all much bigger now. We stood up to this well but it did come at a cost with Freddie, Theo, Jack and Callum all requiring trips to A&E and all of whom will be out for various lengths of time to nurse their injuries. Get well soon boys – we are thinking of you all.

Plus points

• Excellent togetherness and work rate – they never gave up. Tackling was excellent – although see work ons – and line defence was much improved. So many times Bracknell were close to our line but could not get over.
• Improved back play – last year the majority of our tries were scored by forwards. We have serious pace in both teams and yesterday we started to show this with more intention to get it out wide. All the tries yesterday were from players in the back line. Although of course this is not possible if the forwards are not doing their jobs.
• Kicking for position was excellent – we scored tries from this and also eased pressure with great chasing
• Scrummaging and line out were good given the size of the Bracknell pack and it as the first time for contested line outs

Work ons

• Need to get to the rucks quicker and then get a lower body position to secure the ball – we were sometimes too slow resulting in turnovers
• Remember the pods – Bracknell did this well – we were a lot less organised – it’s a fundamental part of rugby. As part of this we also need to not be afraid to secure the ball on the ground rather than throw it way in a panic.
• While the backs were good, we still need to have more depth and concentrate on getting the basics of passing and catching such as hand positions.
• Tackling was good and the boys showed real bravery but we need to be lower or we will give up territory.

But all in all this was a really promising start to the year. Bracknell were a really good outfit with excellent structure and some serious size in their pack. but we seemed to find a way to counter this and impose ourselves. We are in some tough groups in the Surrey Cup but there were some really promising signs. I know the boys can find it boring at times but this game did emphasise the importance of drills at training and we also want to limit any further damage caused by contact in training. Getting the basics right and running drills means we can do this under pressure in matches. Finally I should say thanks to all those who helped us get there and to Damian for organising the logistical nightmare.