Brackley Match Reports 2007 /2008  

Match Report, Saturday 12.4.08

Brackley 27, Northampton Men’s Own 5

Brackley completed their league programme with a convincing win over Northampton Men’s Own, the welcome victory ensuring that Brackley remain in Midlands 4 East (South) next season. It was as well that Brackley pulled out the stops when it mattered. None of the teams below them in the league lost on Saturday, so the battle to avoid relegation could have been a tight run thing. However, Brackley’s tally of three tries, three conversions, a drop goal and a penalty goal against one try in reply was sufficient to put them clear of the melee at the bottom of the table.

Signalling their intent from the kick off, Brackley’s forwards ran the ball hard at the opposition. A powerful drive from Nick Tustain gave Mark Chase the field position for a well struck drop goal and minutes later Chase split the Men’s Own defence wide open to allow Graeme Cartmell to cruise through for a try under the posts. When Chase added the conversion, Brackley had a ten point lead after just ten minutes play.

The purple patch continued as Chase landed a penalty goal and flanker Mark Herlihy made a thunderous charge into the Men’s Own 22. Lock Jason Sadler was on hand to take the off load and cross the line for a try, Chase’s conversion extending the score to 20-0.

After that initial flurry, it was if Brackley felt they had done enough for the day. As the venom went out of their attack, Men’s Own hit back with a catch and drive from a line out for unconverted try wide out on the left. That briefly revived Brackley’s attacking instincts and when Men’s Own knocked on at the re-start, Brackley won the ensuing scrum and span the ball smartly along the three-quarters for a second try from Graeme Cartmell. A successful conversion by Chase made the half time score 27-5.

Thereafter the intensity of the match gradually petered out and there was to be no further scoring in a second half that contained little excitement for the spectators. Matters weren’t helped when a sleet-laden squall swept across the ground and there was a measure of relief all round when the referee’s whistle brought the match, and the season, to a close.

NH

Match Report, Saturday 5 April 2008

Brackley 63, Northampton Old Scouts II 21

With only ten players available, few teams would honour an away fixture; so all credit to Northampton Old Scouts II for travelling to Brackley five men short. Brackley were able to lend Old Scouts three players and played one short themselves in an effort to even things out, but it’s a moot point whether this romp in the park was a useful preparation for next week’s final league match against Northampton Men’s Own. It’s a contest Brackley need to win to be certain of remaining in Midlands 4 East (South).

While the first half was one way traffic for Brackley, the second half was a much more keenly contested affair. Ken Marshall-Grant opened the scoring soon after kick off with a try under the posts and a further six tries, including a hat trick from No 8 Nick Tustain, came along at the rate of about one every five minutes. Three conversions from David Boot-Handford took the half time score to 41-0.

When Dave Becker touched down for his second try, the points fest looked set to continue, but Old Scouts had other ideas. Playing with great spirit and determination, they pierced Brackley’s defence to open their account with a try and conversion. Tries from Matt Butler and Jason Sadler again stretched Brackley’s lead before an intercepted pass gave Old Scouts another seven point tilt at the scoreboard. No sooner had Matt Butler rounded off a good afternoon’s work by completing his hat trick than Old Scouts countered with their third converted try, leaving Brackley to ponder the fact that after a runaway start, they had won the second half by only one point.

NH

Match report, Saturday 29 March 2008

Old Newtonians 22, Brackley 7

Brackley travelled to Old Newtonians with a reorganised team due to injuries and unavailability. Old Newtonians won the toss and opted to play with the slope and the considerable wind advantage.

From the outset Brackley were put under pressure and a failed kick to touch was pounced on by the Old Newtonians’ fullback and direct running and crisp passing saw the home side denied a try by virtue of the referee’s whistle. From the ensuing scrum Old Newtonians gained possession and spread the ball wide to score on the left wing. The elements were going to play a big part in the outcome of the game as Brackley struggled to relieve the pressure and were unable to break out of their half.

Another two tries quickly followed and it was obvious that Brackley defensively were uncoordinated. A reshuffle in the backs seemed to improve the situation and Brackley began to compete.

From this pressure Brackley were able to push Old Newtonians into their half and as a result of an interception by right wing Jaime Stothard, they scored a much deserved try. It now seemed to the supporters that if Brackley could limit the damage in the first half and stay in touch with Old Newtonians, then with the wind and slope, they could possibly win the game. Just as the glimmer of hope appeared however, it was snuffed out by the sin binning of Ken Marshall-Grant for foul play. This made a tough task even worse for the remaining 14 players. To their credit they did not concede any points during the 10 minute period.

At half time the sides turned around with the score at 22-7. With the return of Ken Marshall-Grant from the sin bin and the elements in their favour, Brackley had a chance. Brackley had struggled with the wind and the pack had not been able to provide a secure platform for the backs in the first half.

Now it was the turn of Old Newtonians to deal with the wind and they did so very well. A co-ordinated effort by the home forwards provided the fly half with time and space to clear his lines and deny Brackley the field position they required. The second half really became a stalemate as Brackley were unable to apply pressure and use the wind as Old Newtonians had done and seemed bereft of any attacking options.

Failing to keep the ball on the pitch also played into the hands of the home side. Old Newtonians however adapted to the conditions much better and played smarter rugby. Making fewer mistakes and playing as a team, the end result was never in doubt. No score in the second half was due to in part to sound defence by Old Newtonians and lack of ambition and cohesion by Brackley. The score remained 22-7.

The only positives that could be taken from this performance by Brackley were that they never gave up and Matt Butler in the backs and Nick Tustain in the forwards were outstanding.

Duncan Gray

Match report, Saturday 22 March 2008

Northampton Casuals Combined XV 44, Brackley Combined XV 5

With no fixtures originally planned for Easter Saturday, Brackley and Northampton Casuals fielded combined XVs in a hastily arranged match at Rushmills House. Consisting mainly of 2nd and 3rd team players, the Brackley XV was heavily outgunned up front by a Casuals side containing several members of their first team. Denied possession from the set pieces and driven back in the maul, Brackley spent virtually the whole match on the defensive and did well to contain Casuals to eight tries and two conversions while scoring one try in reply.

Nevertheless, there were some positives to take away from the afternoon. Andy Morris reinforced his claim for a place in the first team back row with a powerful display of tackling and 17 year old Alex Shackleton, entering the fray at half time, showed great promise as a senior player by making telling tackles on far more experienced opponents. And demonstrating that he has not lost the incisive skills required of a winger, Richard Corbett took his try-scoring opportunity with aplomb. That came soon after half time, when the score stood at 17-0, prompting Casuals to turn on the power and rack up a further 27 points before the final whistle.

NH

Match report, Saturday 15 March 2008

Brackley 2nd XV 49, Northampton Heathens 0 Match photos from NH.

Injuries and the unavailability of players on a rugby international weekend forced Brackley to pull out of their friendly with Banbury last Saturday. Consequently, it was down to the 2nd XV to provide the entertainment for those of the club’s supporters who prefer live to televised rugby. They didn’t disappoint. In a contest which was far more physical than the score-line suggests, Brackley produced a solid team performance to overcome Heathens by seven tries and seven conversions to nil.

While most of the points came from players with 1st XV experience, several of the club’s younger players made strong claims for first team consideration next season. Dave Becker and David Boot-Handford scored two tries apiece, with further tries coming from Anthony Jones, Jaime Stothard and replacement Ken Marshall-Grant. Fly-half Boot-Handford landed all seven conversions to take his personal tally for the afternoon to 24 points.

The courage and tenacity Brackley displayed in both taking and making the tackle was a highly encouraging aspect of the match. The spine of the Heathens team contained seasoned campaigners with the ability to hurt in contact, but Brackley’s youngsters were not overawed. They off-loaded in style and made telling tackles of their own, flanker Andy Morris in particular raising a cheer from the home supporters for a pair of thumping tackles on the Heathens’ fly half.

However, the loudest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for David Boot-Handford who, with the ball at his mercy in the Heathens’ in-goal area, executed a spectacular dive over the line only to overshoot his target by a distance. Boot-Handford quickly made amends on the pitch but doubtless paid a heavy price later in the clubhouse bar.

NH

Match report, Saturday 3 March 2008

Brackley 8, Stockwood Park 33

After a bright start to their must-win league match against lowly-placed Stockwood Park, Brackley completely lost the plot. Conceding a string of penalties and surrendering an early lead, Brackley then gifted their opponents a try and conversion to give them an eight point advantage at the interval. A lacklustre second half performance allowed Stockwood Park to collect a further 17 points and run out convincing winners by three tries, three conversions and four penalty goals against a try and penalty goal.

A penalty goal from Mark Chase opened Brackley’s account soon after kick off, leading to a ten minute passage of play in which Brackley appeared set to dominate the opposition. When a powerful break from centre Matt Butler culminated in a well-taken try for David Boot-Handford, a handsome victory was in prospect. Then someone pressed the self-destruct button.

Not only did Brackley give away three needless penalties, but by disputing the decision with the referee they also gave away a further ten metres on two occasions, thereby making life easier for Stockwood Park’s goal kicker. The dismal reversal of fortune continued as Stockwood Park fielded a wayward cross kick on Brackley’s 22 and shot in for a converted try.

The boost in confidence that score brought to Stockwood Park was visible. Where they had been hesitant in the backs they now probed at every opportunity, forcing Brackley onto the defensive. Having added another penalty goal to their tally midway through the second half, Stockwood Park twice opened up yawing gaps in Brackley’s midfield for their runners to cruise through for converted tries by the posts. Brackley had nothing to offer in reply.

Next week Brackley are scheduled to meet Banbury in a friendly away from home. Action in Midlands East 4 (South) resumes on Saturday 29 March when Brackley are away to league leaders Old Newtonians.

NH

Match report, Saturday 1 March 2008 Match photos from NH.

Brackley 11, Aylestone St James 19

Brackley’s line out inexplicably fell apart in the second half of this Midlands East 4 (South) league match and there was no one at hand who could fix it. With scarcely a ball won on their own throw, Brackley repeatedly conceded hard-won territory and possession to lively opponents who took full advantage to draw clear from a half time deficit of 8-7 to win by three tries and two conversions against one try and two penalty goals.

On a drying pitch, play switched from side to side and end to end in the opening exchanges and was to remain fast throughout the match. Brackley were the first to establish some sort of rhythm, but having had the opposition on the back foot for a good 10 minutes, were unravelled when the Aylestone St James’ left wing crossed to the right and ran 40 metres for a converted try by the posts.

Mark Chase opened Brackley’s account with a penalty goal minutes later and then made a spectacular break up-field after a thumping tackle from scrum half Matt Butler halted an Aylestone St James attack. When Chase was brought down just metres from the line, hooker Andrew Neville-Davies was at his shoulder to cross for an unconverted try and a one point half-time lead.

Brackley’s problems in the line out were exposed almost immediately after the restart. Caught off guard by losing the throw at a defensive position just five metres out, Brackley had no time to regroup, allowing Aylestone St James’ forwards to drive through for an unconverted try.

A second penalty goal from Mark Chase brought Brackley back on terms at 11-12, but Aylestone St James wrapped things up in the final minutes as the home side pressed forward for the winning score. A speculative kick from the Aylestone fly half bounced high over the heads of Brackley’s advancing back three and into open space where it was gathered by Aylestone’s outside centre to stroll over unopposed. The successful conversion put the match well beyond reach.

Next week Brackley entertain Stockwood Park, who until last Saturday had spent the entire season at the bottom of the division. However a surprise 32-0 victory against Long Buckby has lifted Stockwood Park ahead of Oadby Wyggestonians and given them a glimmer of hope of surviving in Midlands East 4 (South). Brackley, who are only four points ahead of Stockwood Park, can take nothing for granted.

NH

Match report, Saturday 23 February 2008

Towcestrians 24, Brackley 6 Match photos from NH.

Propelled by the luck of the draw straight into the quarter finals of the Alliance Cup, Brackley faced Towcestrians away on Saturday. While Tows emerged comfortable winners and never looked in doubt of losing to a side playing one division below them in the Midlands league, the scoreline doesn’t adequately reflect a battling second half performance from Brackley who twice came desperately close to crossing Tows’ goal line before succumbing by two penalty goals against four tries and two conversions.

Playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, Tows kept the ball in hand and opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a well executed try from their three-quarters. Two long range penalty goals from Mark Chase briefly gave Brackley a one point lead, but the home side managed to hit back on the stroke of half time. Taking a penalty kick to the corner and winning clean ball from the ensuing line out, Tows’ forwards drove over for the try. Gag Evans added the conversion, his superb strike against the wind taking the half time score to 12-6.

Quickly demonstrating that Brackley might have failed to take full advantage of the conditions in the first half, Evans opened the second period with a series of huge kicks that left his forwards camped well inside Brackley’s 22. Once again they set up a driving maul, sucking in Brackley’s defenders and providing Evans with time and space to release his inside centre for a try by the posts. A successful conversion from Evans extended Tows’ lead to 19-6.

From a similar field position minutes later, Tows opted for a blindside move. As their right wing sped for the corner, it appeared to some spectators that Steve Harvey’s covering tackle had put him into touch. However, the touch judge’s flag stayed down and the referee allowed the try: 24-6.

Shrugging aside the decision, Brackley now played their best rugby of the afternoon. With their backs clearly enjoying themselves in attack, Brackley tested Tows at every opportunity and were unlucky not to score in the final quarter.

Next Saturday Brackley resume their league campaign with a home fixture against Aylestone St James. Brackley will be seeking to make amends for their poor showing when the teams last met in September in the second league match of the season.

NH

Match report, Saturday 16 February 2008

Long Buckby 3, Brackley 26

A renewed sense of confidence surged throughout the team as Brackley notched up their first away win in the league since mid October last year. The victory against Long Buckby, who before the match were placed above Brackley in Midlands 4 East (South), was doubly significant in that the result reversed those positions and put Brackley just four points away from their target of 16 to be certain of survival in the league. On a glorious afternoon for playing rugby, Brackley kept the scoreboard ticking over with three tries, one conversion and three penalty goals to just one penalty goal in reply.

The match began at a frenetic pace with both sides showing a willingness to throw the ball wide in attack. Long Buckby opened the scoring with a penalty goal, and only a try saving tackle minutes later from flanker Neil Shackleton prevented them from extending their early lead. When the scores were levelled soon afterwards by a penalty goal from Mark Chase, Brackley never looked back. Chase once more played a major part in things, his half break opening up a gap in the Long Buckby defence for centre Ken Marshall-Grant to steam through and touch down between the posts. Chase added the conversion.

The same two players were almost immediately involved again in Brackley’s second try, Chase’s pass putting Marshall-Grant into space wide on the left where he found Shackleton in support. The flanker ran hard and straight at the opposition before feeding Mark Wright on the wing who managed to force his way through two defenders for an unconverted try in the corner. A second penalty goal from Chase took the half time score to 3 -18.

Long Buckby began the second half as they had the first, keeping the ball alive and searching for a way through Brackley’s defence. But with another solid performance from their back row, Brackley resisted the attack and then carried the game back to Long Buckby, setting up a field position for a third penalty goal from Chase.

With an 18 point cushion, Brackley could afford some adventure in the final quarter. The opportunity came from a Chase tapped penalty on halfway. From there Brackley’s forwards took a direct route to the Long Buckby goal line and when checked on the 22, produced quick rucked ball to release the three-quarters. Only a last ditch tackle prevented centre Graeme Cartmell from touching down, but the ever-present Shackleton was on hand to take the ball and stretch over the line for an unconverted try to complete the scoring.

NH

Match report, Sunday 10 February 2008

Brackley 10, Northampton BBOB 21 Match photos from NH.

In their second match of the weekend, Brackley were bundled out of the Lewis Shield competition by a workmanlike performance from Northampton BBOB. With the rules dictating that players from the winning team in a Lewis Shield final are ineligible to take any further part in the competition, Brackley were shorn of many of their leading lights for this encounter. Nevertheless, what was almost a Brackley 2nd XV gave a good account of themselves, playing with spirit and flair to contain what at first threatened to be a rampant BBOB to a win by three tries and three conversions against two unconverted tries.

The player who was to be Brackley’s nemesis only came onto the field through a quirk of fate. Although Dan McIlhinney brought his kit along to the match, he hadn’t expected to play until one of his BBOB team mates twisted an ankle during the warm-up. Drafted into his favoured position as open-side flanker, McIlhinney shredded Brackley’s defence in the opening minutes for an outstanding solo try. Fortunately Brackley were able to steady the ship and prevent a repetition, but McIlhinney was to make two more tries for BBOB before retiring injured from the game.

To their credit, Brackley never gave up looking for opportunities to attack and were rewarded when Richard Corbett charged down a clearance kick and touched down for an unconverted try wide out on the left. Brackley’s second try came in the last minute of the match when slick handling by the backs set up Phil Brinklow for a 20 yard dash down the wing to touch down in the opposite corner.

NH

Match report, Saturday 9 February 2008

Brackley 27, Oadby Wyggestonians 14 Match photos from NH.

Brackley continued their revival in Midlands 4 East (South) on Saturday at home against Oadby Wyggestonians, but not without one or two alarms along the way. With the forwards again in dominant form, it looked early on as though they would establish a platform for a big win, but the lead was to change hands five times before Brackley strode clear in the final quarter for victory by two tries, one conversion and five penalty goals over two tries and two conversions.

The first half opened well for Brackley with their powerful pack wheeling the opposition in the set piece, forcing Wyggestonians into errors at the back of the scrum. Two penalty goals from Mark Chase gave Brackley a six point lead by midway through the half, but Wyggestonians then showed their pace as they hit back with a converted try wide out on the left. Brackley response was robust. Again they drove hard at the opposing forwards, who conceded another penalty which Chase converted for a half time lead of 9-7.

Minutes into the second half, play was suspended for 30 minutes as one of the Wyggestonians’ props lay prone on the pitch with a suspected neck injury. While both sides tried to stay focused as they awaited the arrival of an ambulance, it was Wyggestonians who were first off the mark at the restart. Winning a line out on half way, they quickly spun the ball through the three quarters for their outside centre to break clean through the Brackley midfield and serve up a scoring pass for an unconverted try and a five point lead.

That only served to galvanise Brackley’s back row, whose formidable carries upfield began to sap the energy from Wyggestonians’ defence. Hard on the heels of a spectacular 30 yard burst from flanker Mark Herlihy, a strong run from centre Graeme Cartmell brought a try from Jaime Stothard on the wing level to level the score at 14-14.

As the Brackley pack carried on with their demolition job, Oadby were forced to concede three kickable penalties in quick succession. Having missed with the first, Chase made no mistake in converting the following two to regain a six point lead for Brackley. The match was securely wrapped up when a fourth penalty kick at goal by Chase fell short and Wyggestonians elected to run the ball from deep. Dispossessed in the tackle and defensively in disarray, they had no answer to another penetrating run from Cartmell, who forced his way over for a superb individual try. Chase’s successful conversion took his personal tally for the match to 17 points.

Next week Brackley travel to Long Buckby, who are just one place ahead of Brackley in the league by virtue of their superior for-and-against points difference.

NH

Match report, Saturday 2 February 2008

Brackley 13, Bedford Swifts 8 Bedford Swifts Match photos from NH.

In yet another nail-biter, this time at home to Bedford Swifts, Brackley at last brought an end to a seven match losing streak, notching up a precious victory by five points over the league leaders. With the pack finding form and cohesion, this was more like the Brackley of old. Displaying spirit and endeavour throughout the team, Brackley played with a determination to win that kept them in front throughout the match to emerge winners by a try, conversion and two penalty goals over a try and penalty goal.

Having suffered several narrow defeats in the past couple of months, Brackley’s change of fortune became evident within six minutes of the start. Pushed back into their 22 by a powerful opening attack, Brackley managed to turn Swifts over and send full back Dave Becker scooting down the wing for fully 50 metres. Turning inside for support, he found centre Ken Marshall-Grant on his shoulder, who had the vision to spot an unmarked Phil Brinklow racing up-field. His perfectly timed pass put Brinklow away for a try under the posts. Mark Chase converted for a seven point lead.

For the following 20 minutes play was evenly matched as Brackley’s forwards dominated at the set scrum while Swifts held the upper hand in the line out. Then disaster struck as a horrendously hooked clearance kick from inside Brackley’s 22 sailed into the Swifts’ midfield. There it was scooped up by a centre who doubtless couldn’t believe his luck and returned with interest by Swifts’ right wing touching down for an unconverted try in the corner.

Unfazed by this setback, Brackley returned to the attack. Again neither side could break through the other’s defence, but as the half drew to a close, wing forward Andy Morris made a searing run into Swifts’ territory, gaining a vital field position for a shot at goal. Chase made no mistake when a penalty was awarded on the stroke of half time, adding three points to take the score to 10-5 at the interval.

Turning round to play with the wind at their backs, Brackley gave immediate notice of the pattern of play for the second half. A barrage of high kicks from Chase pinned Swifts in their 22, stifling their attacking options and forcing them to slog their way forward.

While Swifts did haul themselves close enough to Brackley’s try line to secure a penalty goal midway through the half and narrow the lead to just two points, Brackley were in no mood to lose this one. A second penalty goal from Chase opened up a five point margin, meaning that Swifts had to conjure a try in that last few minutes to level the score. In a tense and ultimately rousing finale, Brackley’s resolute defence made sure that didn’t happen.

Brackley’s league campaign continues next week when they meet Oadby Wyggestonians at home.

NH

Match report Saturday 26 January 2008

Peterborough Lions 11, Brackley 9 Peterborough Lions Match photos from NH.

Brackley travelled to Peterborough determined to reverse a string of six consecutive defeats in Midlands 4 East (South) and haul themselves away from the relegation zone. Playing better rugby than they have displayed for some time, they came desperately close to their goal. With minutes to go, Brackley held a one point lead over arch rivals Peterborough Lions, only to see that lead snatched away with a late penalty goal from Lions to give them the win by a try and two penalty goals against three penalty goals from Brackley.

For the first quarter of an hour, it was all Brackley. Playing expansive rugby, they contained Lions within their own half, but rarely looked like breaking through their solid defence. Two chances for Brackley to land a penalty goal went begging before Lions sorted themselves out and got back into the game. Against the run of play, Lions struck a penalty goal for a three point lead and then defended strongly as Brackley resumed the attack. Again Brackley were unable to cross the try line, but a well taken penalty goal by Dave Becker brought them back onto level terms at half time.

The early pattern of play was repeated in the opening period of the second half. While Brackley continued to call the shots, the force of their attack was insufficient to breach Lions’ defence. But it was powerful enough to maintain a field position inside the Lions’ half, from where Becker landed a second penalty goal to take the score to 3-6.

Having a full complement of replacements on the sidelines, Lions now began to ring the changes. With fresh players in forwards and backs they started to stretch Brackley’s defenders, but it was Lions’ fly half, who hitherto had had a relatively quiet game, who did the damage. Running across field from a set scrum and catching Brackley’s backs in two minds as how to defend the situation, he broke through the midfield for a fine solo try and a two point lead.

Stepping up a gear, Lions sought to extend that lead, but were denied by resolute tackling from Brackley, particularly by wing Dave Becker and flankers Neil Shackleton and Anthony Jones, both stalwarts in defence throughout the match. Aware that a penalty or drop goal was all that was needed to win, Brackley managed to push Lions back into their own half. Becker once more did the necessary, collecting three points from a penalty goal to take the score to 8-9.

However Lions were not done yet. A final surge took them within range of Brackley’s goalposts and when Brackley were penalised for not releasing the ball in the tackle, Lions gratefully accepted the three points for victory.

Next week Brackley meet league leaders Bedford Swifts at home in rearranged match following the postponement of their fixture on 19 January.

NH

Match report, Saturday 12 January 2008

Buckingham II 3, Brackley II 12 Buckingham 2nd XV Match photos from NH.

With no game for Brackley’s 1st XV after their opposition cried off late in the day, it was all eyes on the second team in a friendly away to Buckingham’s second string. In an entertaining and evenly matched contest, both teams could have added several tries to their score had they been able to avoid basic handling errors at crucial moments. On more than one occasion the try line was wide open to the attacking side only for a knock-on to frustrate their efforts. Nevertheless, Brackley clung to the ball with greater success when it mattered to win by two tries and a conversion against Buckingham’s one penalty goal.

After a quiet start, the pace of the match picked up as the afternoon wore on. With just a penalty goal scored in the first period, the second half was a far livelier affair. Play switched from end to end as both sides sought to use the speed of their backs to break the stalemate. Finally, the quick thinking of fly half Mark Chase, making a welcome reappearance in a Brackley jersey, opened up Buckingham’s defence. Swiftly taking a tapped penalty, he made a 30 metre break up-field where he found wing Phil Brinklow on hand to score an unconverted try wide on the right.

While Buckingham continued to look dangerous in open play, it was Brackley’s forwards who put the seal on the match. Awarded a penalty at a line out inside Buckingham’s 22, they drove hard at the opposition line where lock Tim Carter crashed over for the try. Chase added a successful conversion to complete the scoring.

In a spirited, free flowing game, Brackley’s 3rd XV went down 34-29 to Buckingham’s third team. Next Saturday Brackley face league leaders Bedford Swifts at home.

NH

Match report, Saturday 5 January 2008

Bugbrooke 15, Brackley 6 Bugbrooke Match photos from NH.

For the second time this season, Brackley were left to rue what might have been in a spirited league match with local rivals Bugbrooke. Playing away from home, Brackley had two tries disallowed on either side of half time which, had they stood, would have been enough to snatch victory by a single point. As it was, despite having the lion’s share of possession throughout, Brackley came off second best by three tries to two penalty goals.

A well struck kick from Dave Becker gave Brackley a three point lead early in the first half. He had no sooner added another penalty goal 20 minutes later, than Bugbrooke opened their account. A jinking, 30 metre run from their scrum half scattered Brackley’s defence and led to a fine try in the right hand corner.

With Brackley’s forwards more than holding their own in the set pieces and Bugbrooke pinned deep in their own 22, then came the first of the disallowed tries. From a Bugbrooke throw-in, the ball sailed over the top of the line out to be gathered by flanker Mark Herlihy and touched down for what appeared to be a legitimate score. The referee viewed things differently however, ruling that Brackley had closed the gap in the line out and awarding Bugbrooke a penalty.

Having got out of jail, Bugbrooke celebrated in style. Bettering the move of a few minutes previously, their right wing broke through an embarrassing number of tackles to outpace his pursuers to the line for a second unconverted try, bringing the halftime score to 10-6.

Brackley came back strongly in the second half. Playing into the wind, they wisely kept ball in hand and had Bugbrooke in retreat with a series of attacks from both forwards and backs. Having kept this barrage at bay for 10 minutes, Bugbrooke’s defence opened up just enough for Brackley skipper Jonathan Morris to force his way through and touch down. But in the second disappointment of the afternoon for Brackley, the try was disallowed with Morris being judged by the referee to have been held up over the line.

Although Brackley continued to attack from all angles, that was the last time they seriously threatened to breach Bugbrooke’s defence. Indeed, Bugbrooke had one more ace up their sleeve. Awarded a penalty late in the final quarter, they elected to kick to the corner for an attacking line out. The ball won, Bugbrooke’s forwards drove over the line for a third unconverted try to put themselves nine points clear and well out of reach.

Next week Brackley entertain Dunstablians II in a friendly at home. Their next league fixture is also at home, against Bedford Swifts on 19 January.

NH

Match report, Saturday 22 December 2007

Alcester 0, Brackley 52 Alcester Match photos from NH.

Brackley’s first half of the season ended in festive mood as they notched up a resounding away win against Alcester. It being the last Saturday before Christmas, both clubs were below full strength for this friendly, but nevertheless, on a gloomy, wet afternoon, they produced an entertaining game of rugby. Having threatened to run away unchecked in the first half while playing down the slope, Brackley had their progress brought to a halt by resolute defence from Alcester. The home side never gave up, conceding just one try and a conversion in the second half to complete Brackley’s haul of eight tries and six conversions to nil.

With Benfield Lainchbury in commanding form at fly half, Brackley opened their account after six minutes with a try from hooker John Ayres, swiftly followed by another from skipper Gareth James. Sensing they were onto a big win, Brackley began to attack from deep. Their third try came in spectacular style after a long run from full back Ken Marshall-Grant opened up the defence for Graeme Cartmell to cross the line. Further tries in the half came from centre Mark Wright, wing John Cooper, prop Bob Cutting from a tapped penalty at close range, and number 8 Joe Staniforth. Lainchbury added five conversions.

Turning round at half time to play up the slope, Brackley had a rude awakening as Alcester peppered kicks to the corners and forced them to defend their line for the first time. Having survived the onslaught, Brackley then produced the try of the match as Mark Wright took a quick tapped penalty on Alcester’s 10 metre line and fed the ball to Joe Staniforth. Jinking inside the first line of defence, Staniforth sold the subtlest of dummies to the full back before storming between the posts for his second try of the match. Lainchbury added the two points to seal an outstanding personal performance.

NH

Tries 8

John Ayres Gareth James Graeme Cartmell Mark Wright John Cooper Bob Cutting Joe Staniforth (2)

Conversions 6 (Benfield Lainchbury)

John Ayres 5-0; Gareth James 10-0; Benfield conversion 12-0; Graeme Cartmell 17-0; Benfield conversion 19-0; Mark Wright under posts 24-0; Benfield conversion 26-0; John Cooper 31-0; Benfield conversion 33-0; Bob Cutting from tapped penalty 38-0; Joe Staniforth 43-0; Benfield conversion 45-0 [Half Time] Joe Staniforth 50-0; Benfield conversion 52-0.

Match report, Saturday 15 December 2007

Brackley 5, Old Newtonians 25

Old Newtonians Match photos from NH.

Two defensive aberrations on either side of half time saw Brackley gift 12 points to league leaders Old Newtonians in what was otherwise a fairly evenly matched contest. The 15 point lead that Old Newtonians enjoyed as a consequence was to prove unassailable and the visitors’ superior pace and fitness produced a further score at the end of the match to give them victory by four tries, one conversion and a penalty goal to one try from Brackley.

Old Newtonians were first to put points on the board with a penalty goal after ten minutes. Another five points came soon after when Old Newtonians kicked deep into Brackley territory, won the succeeding line out and worked the ball across field for an unconverted try wide out on the right.

Unfazed by this early setback, Brackley played adventurously, if not hair-raisingly at times, and carried the game back to Old Newtonians. Taking a quick tapped penalty just outside the Old Newts’ 22, skipper Jonathan Morris made good ground before recycling the ball to no 8 Jason Sadler who crossed the line to narrow the score to 5-8.

Having brought themselves back into contention, Brackley allowed their concentration to waver, but not before a last ditch tackle halted an Old Newtonians’ run down the left wing, forcing them out at the corner. Brackley then made an utter hash of the ensuing line out. With the throw going over their catchers, Brackley’s forwards at the tail of the line were caught off guard and robbed of the ball. Lying on his back, a grateful Old Newtonian no 8 stretched over the line for an unconverted try, taking the half time score to 5-13.

Whatever was said during the team talk at half time could not have had the desired effect. Within minutes of the restart the Old Newtonians’ right wing was given free passage to weave his way unhindered from a tapped penalty kick on the Brackley 10m line almost to the try line, setting up a position for the forwards to crash over between the posts. A successful conversion stretched Old Newtonians’ lead to 15 points.

That served as a wake up call and for the next 30 minutes or so Brackley held their own, although never seriously threatening the Old Newtonians’ line. As Brackley’s legs began to tire, Old Newtonians were able to conjure one last move involving forwards and backs criss-crossing the field and touching down for an unconverted try in the left hand corner.

The result leaves Brackley only one place above the relegation zone in Midlands 4 East (South). The second half of the league programme resumes on 5 January when Brackley are away to Bugbrooke, who are currently lying third in the league.

NH

Match report, Saturday 8 December 2007

Brackley II 41, Banbury II 10

http://www.flickr.com/tools/uploader_edit.gne?ids=2098244348,2098244458,

While the first team took a break between league fixtures, Brackley’s 2nd XV delighted the home supporters with a solid all-round performance to notch up a convincing win over Banbury’s second string. Given the playing conditions of wind, rain and waterlogged pitch, the match was a credit to both sides. Striving throughout to run with ball in hand, they displayed great skills in attack and defence, serving up a feast of entertainment in which Brackley scored seven tries and three conversions against two unconverted tries from Banbury.

Celebrating his 19th birthday in style, blind side flanker Joe Staniforth opened the scoring for Brackley with an unconverted try within the first five minutes. The lead was stretched to 12 points very soon after as fly half David Boot-Handford intercepted a loose pass from Banbury and darted over the line for a try and a conversion.

With Brackley’s forwards running hard and straight, Banbury were forced to take stock as second row Joe Collins plunged over the line for Brackley’s third try followed minutes later by number 8 Jason Sadler whose unconverted try secured a 22 point lead. Quickly regrouping, Banbury took the ball wide to break through Brackley’s defence with a try from their outside centre, the conversion attempt bouncing off the right hand post. Now with their tails up, Banbury struck again with a well worked try on the left wing to bring themselves back into contention and take the half time score to 22-10.

Banbury continued to attack through their three quarters early in second half, but Brackley’s defence held firm as the forwards tightened their grip on the game. The back row were to dominate the rest of the afternoon. Jason Sadler led the way with a fine try converted by David Boot-Handford. An unconverted try from open side flanker Neil Shackleton took Brackley’s score to 34 and in the final play, a powerful run by Joe Staniforth produced quick ball for Jason Sadler to go over the line for his hat trick. David Boot-Handford added the two points to complete the scoring.

Brackley’s third team were rampant as they recorded a 58-7 victory away against Banbury III. Next week Brackley’s 1st XV resume their league campaign at home to Old Newtonians, while the 2nd XV travel to Long Buckby.

Match report, Saturday 1 December 2007

Northampton Men’s Own 32, Brackley 9

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99341468@N00/

Just when they needed to step up a gear to reverse a string of three defeats in the league, Brackley were dismally out of form against Northampton Men’s Own. Although they stayed on terms for much of the game and even enjoyed a one point lead early in the second half, Brackley’s lack of pace and elementary errors in defence allowed Men’s Own to rack up 24 points in the final half hour and win by five tries, two conversions and a penalty goal against three penalty goals landed by David Boot-Handford.

Men’s Own struck within the first five minutes. Pouncing on a fumbled ball at the Brackley 10 metre line, they burst through in numbers for an unconverted try wide on the right. Brackley were quick to respond. Turning over the opposition at the re-start, the forwards carried the ball to the Men’s Own 22 where they collected three points from a penalty kick at goal. A later exchange of penalty goals took the half time score to 8-6.

Brackley opened the second half strongly. Catching Men’s Own off guard, they secured a third penalty goal to go into the narrowest of leads. However, that lead was to be short lived as the Men’s Own back division upped the pace of the game and launched a wave of attacks culminating in an unconverted try.

With a strong wind blowing across the pitch and their backs in the ascendant, Men’s Own eschewed penalty kicks at goal in the second half, electing to run instead. At the second attempt, the ploy brought a try under the posts for their powerful number 8. The successful conversion took the score to 20-9.

The score line might have been contained at that, but a dreadful tap down at a line out on halfway put Brackley under all sorts of pressure, forcing them to concede a throw-in five metres from their goal line. Men’s Own needed no second invitation and drove over from the ensuing line out for another converted try. Brackley’s woes continued right to the end as the Men’s Own pack completed the rout with an unconverted try in the final seconds of the match.

NH

Match report, Saturday 24 November 2007

Brackley 12, Bugbrooke 15

Brackley started well in this league encounter with local rivals Bugbrooke, but were overhauled by half time and left themselves too much to do in the final quarter of a closely fought match. It was a contest that Brackley could have won and there will have been much soul searching as to why victory eluded them in the end. Ultimately, Bugbrooke’s superior technique in the maul gave them the edge to shade Brackley by three tries against two tries and a conversion.

From the kick off, Brackley’s forwards pinned Bugbrooke deep inside their own territory. Picking up at the back of a scrum, number 8 Nick Tustain charged at the defence and when held, managed to recycle the ball for skipper Jonathan Morris to carry over the line for an unconverted try.

As the battle of the forwards continued, Brackley conceded a penalty for offside at a maul. Although within range of the posts, Bugbrooke elected to kick to the corner for an attacking line out. A clean catch set up a forward drive for an unconverted try to level the score.

Now the play switched to the backs. As Bugbrooke countered from a stalled Brackley attack, only a last ditch tackle from Neil Sadler, crossing the pitch to his opposite wing, saved what looked to be a certain try. The respite was short lived however, as Bugbrooke stole the home side’s ball at a line out five metres from the Brackley try line. Another driving maul produced a second unconverted try for Bugbrooke to take the half time score to 5-10.

With both sets of backs looking for a chance to attack, it was Bugbrooke who posed the bigger threat as the second half got underway. Foiled by a superb tackle from Ken Marshall-Grant when poised to score from an overlap situation, Bugbrooke’s three-quarters quickly regrouped to repeat the move, this time releasing their full back to outpace the Brackley defence for a try and a ten point lead.

Stung into action, Brackley hit back with a sustained, all-round effort that turned the tide in their favour for the remainder of the game. The Bugbrooke defence was finally breached when fly half Tom Gray deftly chipped over the top into the in-goal area and won the race to the touch down. His drop-kick conversion narrowed the lead to just three points.

As the last minutes of the match ticked away, Brackley threw everything at overturning that deficit – and very nearly pulled it off. In what turned out to be the final play of the afternoon, Gray sent a beautifully flighted diagonal kick across field only to see his brother Dan narrowly outrun by the defence to secure the touch down in goal.

The result means that Brackley slip to eighth place in Midlands 4 East (South). Brackley’s league campaign continues next week when they travel to third placed Northampton Mens Own.

NH

Match report: Saturday 17 November 2007

Brackley 38, Ampthill XV 29

Match photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/99341468@N00/

Brackley’s talented back division at last began to gel in this free-flowing friendly at home against Ampthill II. Although it took most of the first half for them to get their act together, Tom Gray was in outstanding form as Brackley struck a purple patch midway through the second period to secure victory with six tries and four conversions over five tries and two conversions from Ampthill.

A well taken try from Brackley’s full back James Stothard opened the scoring after ten minutes. However, this only appeared to galvanise Ampthill into a fast and furious passage of play which produced 17 points in about as many minutes.

The scores were levelled when Ampthill took a tapped penalty inside Brackley’s 22 and barged over the line for an unconverted try. Brackley’s defence was exposed again as Ampthill took a penalty kick to the corner, won the ensuing line out and crashed over the line for a second unconverted try. A fine solo effort from Ampthill’s fly half rounded off their scoring spree with a try under the posts and a successful conversion to give them a 12 point lead.

Brackley rallied from the onslaught and second row Tim Carter brought them back into contention as he set off on a bulldozing run to score under the posts. Tom Gray’s conversion narrowed the lead to 12-17. Fly half Gray then helped level the half time score with a dazzling break covering half the pitch and a scoring pass to Ken Marshall-Grant for an unconverted try.

The opening minutes of the second half were evenly contested, but when injury to their open-side flanker reduced Ampthill to 14 men, Brackley took full advantage. Another superb break from Tom Gray brought him a try under the posts and a conversion. Centre Ken Marshall-Grant then initiated a move deep in Brackley’s half which fellow centre Graeme Cartmell completed with a 40 yard run to the try line. Tom Gray converted.

Gray continued his masterful performance with a second try under the posts and a conversion to take Brackley’s final tally to 38 points. With a commanding lead of 21 points, Brackley evidently thought they’d done enough for the afternoon and took their foot off the accelerator. Ampthill needed no prompting and swiftly broke out for an unconverted try to haul themselves back to 38-22. The final play of the match saw two Brackley defenders bring each other to the ground, allowing Ampthill through for another breakaway try and conversion to take the final score to 38-29.

Brackley are again at home next week versus Bugbrooke in a league fixture.

NH

Match Report: Saturday 10 November 2007

Bedford Swifts 25, Brackley 7

Owing to several of their players being held up in traffic and arriving at the ground with no time to warm up, Brackley started very slowly away to Bedford Swifts. The situation worsened as bad lineout play and a lack of organisation among the backs allowed Bedford Swifts to score a penalty within ten minutes of the lick off. Swifts continued to dominate, scoring a try, conversion and a second penalty to bring the score to 13-0 at half time.

Brackley resumed play in a much more assertive mood. With their scrum taking control in set pieces, Brackley had their just reward when, late in the third quarter, full back Tom Gray received the ball from a good driving maul and scythed through the defence to score close to the posts. A successful conversion brought the score to 13-7.

Having been the better side for most of the second half, Brackley contrived to give away a penalty ten minutes from time. Although the kick at goal was unsuccessful, a lack of awareness following Brackley’s attempt to clear their lines allowed Swifts’ left winger to run from 25 metres out to touch down for an unconverted try, increasing their lead to 18-7. In the dying minutes of the match, a series of errors and missed tackles by Brackley let Swifts in for their third try. The successful conversion was the last kick of the match and took the final score to 25-7.

Next week Brackley play Ampthill II in a friendly at home.

Bill Mount

Match Report: Saturday 3 November 2007

Brackley 0, Leighton Buzzard II 27

With several key players unavailable for selection, Brackley were obliged to field an untried team for this friendly match against Leighton Buzzard’s second string. While Brackley held their own for the first quarter of the game and were only 7-0 down at half time, the lack of unity between forwards and backs ultimately led to a string of defensive errors which allowed Leighton Buzzard to run in a total of five tries.

The first of these came after 25 minutes of evenly contested play when Leighton Buzzard’s left wing Dario attacked from just inside his own half. Never leaving the tramlines, he weaved his way through the Brackley defence for a spectacular solo try, the subsequent conversion giving Leighton Buzzard a seven point lead.

Brackley managed to contain Leighton Buzzard until ten minutes into second half, at which point the opposition’s superior fitness and skill in the maul began to take their toll. Soon after touching down for a try in the corner, Leighton Buzzard were back for more. Try number three came as their open-side flanker broke clear from a driving maul and swept through unchecked to take the score to 0-17.

The move was swiftly repeated on the opposite side of the pitch. This time it was from further out and involved two of Leighton Buzzard’s back row players whose straight, hard running produced try number four. In a final flourish in the closing seconds of the match, Dario rounded the defence to wrap up the scoring with an unconverted try.

Next week Brackley resume their league campaign with an away fixture at Bedford Swifts. They will need to be on better form than this to secure a victory against the third placed team in Midlands 4 East (South).

NH

Match report: Saturday 27 October 2007

Brackley 11, Peterborough Lions 18

In their fifth league match of the season, Brackley got off to a wayward start at home to Peterborough Lions. This was always going to be a close encounter and Brackley needed to begin the match at pace if they were to unsettle a resurgent opposition on the rebound from setbacks earlier in the season. However, with the forwards taking much of the first half to find the cohesion they had displayed the previous week and the backs not quite gelling in midfield, Brackley were never firing on all cylinders. In a game that could well have gone either way, the luck of the bounce favoured Peterborough Lions twice at crucial moments to give them victory by two tries, a conversion and two penalties over a try and two penalties from Brackley.

Peterborough Lions opened the scoring after five minutes when Brackley were penalised for holding on to the ball. In an ominous portent, the Lions landed three points as the ball cleared the bar after striking the left hand post.

For the next 20 minutes or so, Brackley struggled to contain the bigger Lions’ pack which drove them back at scrum, ruck and maul. From loose play just outside the Brackley 22, the Lions put an astute kick deep into the corner where a high bounce flew over the defenders, allowing the Lions’ right wing to touch down for an unconverted try.

Stung into action, Brackley hit back immediately from the kick off, catching Peterborough Lions completely off guard with the intensity of their attack and forcing them to concede a penalty in front of the posts. Ken Marshall-Grant converted to take the half time score to 3-8.

From the start of the second half, Brackley’s forwards were a match for the opposing pack. No longer on the back foot, it was their turn to force the opposition into some hasty clearances. When one of these failed to find touch, it led to an exhilarating counter attack from full back Phil Brinklow and his twin brother Paul on the left wing. Deftly jinking inside his opposite number, Paul rounded off the move with an unconverted try in the corner to level the score.

Minutes later the Brinklow twins were again on the attack as they followed up a kick ahead. But this time they were wrong footed by the defence and were left grasping at air as Peterborough Lions ran the ball out of their in-goal area. While their subsequent kick failed to find touch, the ball bounced sharply infield to fall into the arms of the Lions’ outside centre who ran three quarters the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts. The try was converted to take the score to 8-15.

Brackley again hauled themselves back into contention with a second penalty goal from Ken Marshall-Grant bringing the score line to 11-15. That margin was eliminated when Peterborough Lions added another three points with a penalty goal in the closing minutes, putting victory for Brackley tantalisingly out of reach.

Brackley’s 2nd XV enjoyed a 17-10 win against Westwood Deaconians, while the 3rd XV notched up seven tries in overcoming Winslow 35-19.

In a ten-team league in which five of those teams have played five and won three, Brackley remain in second place in Midlands 4 East (South) by virtue of their for-and-against points difference. With no league match next Saturday, Brackley are in the fixture pool.

Match report: Saturday 20 October 2007