Sat 16 Nov 2019, 14:15
Brackley were denied victory at the death on Saturday afternoon as they drew 13-all with Biggleswade.
In front of packed boisterous crowd following the Presidents Lunch, Brackley welcomed Biggleswade to Nightingale Close. It was a tight start to the game with possession changing hands on a constant basis but Brackley did control the territory, however they were struggling to get over the whitewash despite going close several times.
Against the run of play, it was the visitors who opened the scoring when after a turnover on the halfway line, Biggleswade were quick to notice Brackley had a man down injured and took advantage of the space out wide as their second row showed good pace to score. The hosts did react well to this, quickly finding themselves in the Biggleswade 22 before scoring a penalty through the boot of Andy Mawle.
This was soon followed by a Brackley try as they finally took advantage of the pressure they were asserting on the Bigglewade line as second row Angus Leigh powered his way over to make it 10-7. However disaster struck when the hosts gave away a penalty straight from the kick off giving the away side the chance to even the scores going into half time.
For much of the second half neither side were able to get on top with mistakes – especially from Brackley – preventing them from adding a second try. With 20 minutes to go, Biggleswade conceded a penalty in their own 22, which allowed Brackley to take the lead 13-10.
Errors and penalties were frustratingly a constant sight throughout and allowed Biggleswade to start piling on the pressure as the game reached its climax. The visitors were clearly going for a win but getting frustrated by Brackley’s defence. In the end with the clock in the red, Biggleswade settled for a penalty to finish the game 13-13.
It was a frustrating performance for Brackley in front of what was an amazing crowd, including Saints, Wales & Lions star Dan Biggar! Next week the team will be looking to return to form as they take on the unbeaten Birstall away from home, whilst the Vets keep the home crowd entertained against Kettering.
