Sat 9 Mar 2019
Brackley delivered two cracking performances on Saturday as the 1st XV beat league leaders Northampton BBOB 27-10, whilst the Development Team also won 27-0.
With the promotion race so tight, every game is a must win for Brackley 1st XV and they don't come any tougher than a BBOB side sitting comfortably on the top of the table. In very windy conditions, the visitors started the stronger of the two teams, looking to put the ball through the hands and get it out wide early. This bright start was soon rewarded as BBOB were able to slot an early penalty to take a 3-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes.
Brackley responded brilliantly and showed how up for it they were with the forwards in particular impressing and setting a nice platform for fly half Mike Lowdell. Despite the conditions, the hosts also showed they were willing to play running rugby and looked to keep the ball alive with good offloads, which led to the reward of some excellent team tries. Skipper Luke Hallam-Evans as always led from the front and scored the opening try. This was followed by the try of the match as the Brackley forwards put it through the hands on the 10 metre line and after some more offloading the ball eventually found its way to scrum half Andy Mawle to score.
The second half brought much of the same as Lowdell increased the hosts' lead with a penalty. With the bit between their teeth, Brackley kept the pressure on and eventually added a third try through replacement Stefon Webb. With the game into the last quarter, BBOB showed why they have been so imperious this season and were able to start putting pressure on Brackley's line and with the home side down to 14 men, used the numbers advantage to exploit an overlap on the wing to make it 20-10 with less than 10 minutes to go. This though reignited Brackley who went on the hunt for a bonus point try and it came in the final seconds as the forwards and backs linked well to get the ball out wide to Michael Houpe to score in the corner and win the game 27-10.
On the second pitch the Development Team were also putting in an excellent performance led by a dominant forward pack. On top for most of the match, the home side executed their game plan to perfection with strong carries throughout leading to five tries scored by Steve Harvey, Simon Cave, Charles Reaston-Brown, Tyrone Smith and debutant Angus Leigh who deservedly won man of the match in the 27-0 victory over BBOB 2nd XV.
Brackley get a well-deserved week off this Saturday before taking on fellow promotion rivals Northampton Mens Own in a fortnight, who sit two points ahead and are in impressive form at the moment. The club will be open next week though for the Super Saturday Six Nations finale.
