Brackley RUFC

Brackley return to league action this weekend as they make the trip to take on rivals Bedford Swifts in a big game for both sides.

The team will be looking to put in a full 80-minute performance in what has been historically one of the toughest away fixtures on the calendar. Brackley showed what they are capable of a fortnight ago, when they beat fellow promotion chasers Aylestone St. James 31-22 but after racing to a 26-0 lead, inexplicably let their foot off the pedal, allowing Aylestone to make it a close finish.

With both teams having been in the same league for several years now, Swifts have arguably become Brackley’s biggest rival. There is always a high intensity when these two sides clash and historically it’s been the home team that comes out on top, which is something Brackley will look to change on Saturday. This turned out to be the case earlier in the season, when Bedford came to Nightingale Close as Brackley were able overcome the Swifts forwards pressure to win 19-11.

Bedford have been showing excellent home form this season, which has kept them within sight of the promotion battle as they currently sit in 6th, just 10 points behind Brackley with a game in hand. Swifts have made their ground a fortress, with only league leaders BBOB coming away with a win so far this season. The hosts have had a few weeks off to get ready for this match, with their last fixture also being against Aylestone, which they won impressively 42-29.

Brackley know they will need to keep their winning run going to challenge for promotion and this will be one of the toughest away games of the season against a forward dominated team. Kick off will be at 2:15pm and it’s set to a be a great match.