Lead out by Captain Oscar Heimann, Bracknell started brightly, putting Thatcham under early pressure and advancing forward at every opportunity. Strong running and ferocity in the contact zone were key features of the Bracknell performance, and it didn’t take long for the pressure to break the Thatcham defence, as Kaiden Fulcher exploited the smallest of gaps, to dance his way through and dot down for the opening score of the day. There was no let up on the restart as Bracknell looked to assert some dominance and put the phases together. Good continuity lead to holes in the Thatcham defence and Kaiden once again breaking through to score. In defence, Bracknell were solid, with Finley Perryman and Issac Williams tackling like machines and getting through a huge amount on work. Alfie Allen looked to utilise his strength via a route one attack up the middle of the field, while Riley Lewingtons endless support play kept up the continuity and pace of the attack. Zabi Parker-Silito made sure the ball was recycled quickly, while Billy Brumpton distributed masterfully, even showing his trademark dummy to great effect, keeping the Thacham defence on their toes. Try number three came just as the heavens opened and Bracknell were looking very comfortable. A few mistakes crept in on both sides, one of which lead to quick ball for Thatcham, who managed to drive over, just before the half time whistle went.

The second half saw Hayden Lawson display some fancy footwork, Oscar Stuart make plenty of forward progress and Oscar Heimann put in a proper Captains performance. Oscar was on the front foot all day, and in the second half it was a key component to the Bracknell attack. The brickwall defence stood firm and the flow of the attack was not slowed by the dire weather. Bracknell never looked troubled in the half and added three tries, that Thatcham, despite never giving up and always battling hard, ultimately, had no reply for.

Every player in green stepped up and it culminated in, by far, the best Development Team performance of the season and a cracking, six tries to one victory. A performance built on spirit, desire, confidence and solid basic skills, is exactly what was deserved as the Development Team continues to improve, week in, week out.