The much anticipated return match against Bracknell IIs took place on the brisk, but calm Saturday the 16th January. Bracknell being undeafeted within this league and the Chinnor Wildboys only losing out to Bracknell in their first battle meant that this was a vital game for both teams. The Wildboys had a mightly side out, and likewise the support followed, so there was no hiding place for any player.
The kick off from Bracknell was solid and collected by the wildboys pack and the butterflies settled. The first 10 minutes was solid by the Wildboys as they were showing some promising play around the breakdown, and some decent hands along the backs. This then changed slightly when Chinnor’s discipline started going downhill and a number of penalties were being given away. Bracknell seemed to have woken up, and starting their typical bruising play. This meant they came away with 3 points from a well slotted penalty.
The restart wasn’t a great one by the Wildboys 10 as this was hooked and barely went 1 metre. With the ball back in Bracknell’s hands the bruising continued, and they battled their way into the Wildboys half. With a number of penalties going Bracknell’s way it was inevitable that another forceful attack was coming. This time the ball was spun wide, and their hard running 14 darted round Pete Way to set up Bracknell’s first try. The conversion was missed, making the score 0-8.
With the restart a better one this time, the Wildboys knew they had to be better disciplined and start doing what they do well. Some solid challenges going in by the likes of George Hope and Sam Ludgate meant that Bracknell were held off from another prevailing attack. The Wildboys now had the ball and could start playing their set pieces. A very strong scrum by the wild pack, gave George Brown a solid platform to distribute to the wild backs. Some battering runs from Jayson Abbott and Adam Draper, couldn’t beat the Bracknell line but the momentum was with Chinnor. With some well organised pod work around the breakdown, and some solid clearing out by the likes of Jon Goodson and Ollie Jackson meant the ball was a quicker one to Rob Nichols who spotted a gap influenced by his dummy pass. The supporting run by Guy Hackshaw meant that the offload was possible, and he drew his man and offloaded to Pete Way who went over to score the Wildboys first. Peter then had to compose himself for the conversion but unfortunately this dropped short. The half time whistle was blown shortly after and the scores stood at 5-8. At half time George White took himself, Mark Wilkinson, and Peter Way off to be replaced by a fiercly strong bench compiling of Pieter Nell, Ben Wilkinson, and George Culbert.
The 2nd half proved to be hard fought where both teams had opporunities of scoring, but were either held up by either apparent forward passes, or unforced errors. At the scrums, it was clear that the Wildboys had the upperhand as distribution to the backs was still good, however some further penalities prevented Chinnor getting into the area where they are most dangerous. With the Wildboys still trailling it was clear that their intentions was to win as they turned down a chance at goal to go for the try. Some solid build up play, and some strong runs by Wild Bill and Pieter Nell saw a build up of momentum. Rob Nichols then half broke the line, and mananged to get the offload off to George Brown who was running a strong supporting line. Unopposed he ran over the try line, and touched down for the Wildboys much needed 2nd try. To ensure that Bracknell weren’t within a penalty distance the conversation needed to be slotted. With much displeasure Jayson Abbott was tasked with this challenge. The ball was struck, and sailed over the middle of the sticks. 12-8.
The last 10-15 minutes of the game really tested the Wildboys defence and the team moral, as Bracknell tried to fight back. The Wildboys saw little of the ball and at times they were fully stretched, but finally, after what felt like an eternity, the referree blew for full time.
A formidable and fanastic win for the Wildboys, which now puts them in massive contention to win this league.

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2 x Man of the Match – George Hope & Sam Ludgate
Tries: Peter Way, George Brown
Conv: Jayson Abbott