Brackley started the new decade in perfect fashion as they got a bonus point 31-12 win at home to Stamford College Old Boys on Saturday.
Both teams were looking for an important win having run into some bad form just before Christmas. Stamford started off the better controlling the territory and possession, eventually scoring in the corner as their flanker got through the Brackley defence. However for the last 20 minutes of the half, Brackley gained more control of the match and were looking dangerous.
The hosts were able to take the lead when they released centre Dan Rolfe down the wing, who was able to step the full back and score under the posts. Brackley continued to keep the pressure on, camping themselves in the Stamford 22 before prop Graeme Cartmell crashed over after a quick tap and go penalty. Discipline though was costing Brackley and Stamford were able to get themselves within 5 metres off the line and were throwing everything at the hosts but the Brackley defence held strong as they were able to take a 12-5 lead into half time.
Brackley were starting to look more and more dangerous with the ball and were really troubling the visitors' defence. After a while the hosts won a penalty, deciding to kick into the corner, which they capitalised on as Cartmell pirouetted his way his over to extend Brackley's lead. Cartmell got his hat trick on the 60 minute mark, when some good hands between the forwards and backs saw him score out wide.
Having secured the bonus point, Brackley's discipline then started letting them down and allowed the visitors to control the territory. This led to Stamford scoring their second try, which tightened the scoreline with less than 10 minutes to go at 24-12. However Brackley found the perfect response when Dan Gray made an interception and ran it in under the posts to secure the vital 31-12 win.
This was an ideal start to the New Year for Brackley and maybe even more importantly an excellent performance against a strong Stamford side. Next week sees Brackley make the trip up to Lincolnshire to take on Thorney who have been struggling so far this season but are always a tough away fixture.
