It was a tough weekend for Brackley as both 1st XV and Vets XV lost their respective games to Birstall and Kettering Vets.
The 1st XV took the trip up to Leicester to take on a tough Birstall side who sit second in the table. The hosts started very strongly using their imposing forward pack to dominate possession and territory, eventually powering their way over the whitewash. This was soon followed by a second try as Brackley were drawn in by some strong running before Birstall moved the ball wide to score in the corner to make it 12-0.
However the visitors were quick to bounce back when centre Dan Gray made an intercept on the Birstall 22 before showing enough pace to score, which he converted himself. This comeback was short lived though as the hosts once again took control of possession and a lapse in concentration by Brackley saw one of the Birstall forwards stroll through under posts, untouched. The visitors were able to add a penalty through Gray to trail 19-10 at half time.
The second half was much closer with Brackley getting more of the ball but were struggling to capitalise on their opportunities. This was not a problem for the hosts, who in one of their first visits of the half to the Brackley 22, were able to use their power game to add a fourth try. With the visitors struggling to find the key to break Birstall’s defence, the hosts were able to score a long-range penalty with only a few minutes left to win 29-10.
Brackley Vets rued a slow start against another sizeable team in Kettering Vets. The hosts trailed 17-0 at half time but showed excellent spirit against a strong side as no further scores were added from either team during the second half.
Next week sees another double header as Brackley 1st XV have another tough game as they host Long Buckby in the Lewis Shield, whilst the Development Team travel to take on Northampton Casuals 3rd XV.
