Read match report below, or view in technicolour on attached PDF. Enjoy the photos viewed under - Media/Albums - or additional ones on Shell Patrick's link providec in the report.

Match Reports 17th January 2026

CS Stags 1863 34 – Bracknell RFC 22

The Stags welcomed Bracknell RFC to Kings House Sports Ground on Saturday, a 3 p.m. kick off on the AGP under lights. It was good to see many supporters, friends and family, and some old member vets visiting from distant shores (Jim Gregory – Malawi). Club stalwart Barry Smith’s 75th birthday was also celebrated by all in the small bar after the game! Thanks to all for coming, and to Shell Patrick as well, for providing her link to the extra photos she took. https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEhXrpSLf5M4Utuq8

Bracknell started off on a strong footing, and with intent. They owned the opening minutes with their physical presence, and scored the first try after ten minutes, which was converted. They then opted for a penalty at nineteen minutes, and converted that to take a 0-10 lead.

It was then that Stags decided that was enough, and followed up a minute later with a well taken move, winger Harry Parkes scoring the try, and finishing off a nice Stags attack up through the centre. David Wilkinson at fly half converted, 7-10. A much more determined Stags then patiently worked their attacks better, and added another try on thirty-eight minutes, Bertie Watson at number 8 finishing the move, and Wilkinson once again converting. Just before the half ended, Wilkinson converted a penalty for the Stags to take a 17-10 lead into half time, two tries to one.
The second half started with Stags wasting no time, and scoring straight away. Captain Pantelis Stylianou at the back of a good driving maul on the left of the pitch. Unconverted, the score now went to 22-10.

Bracknell were not done though, and came back again strongly. Some good breakthrough running saw them score two more tries, one on 46 minutes, and the second on 60 minutes. Only one was converted, and with the match three quarters down the line, the scores were tied 22 apiece, with all to play for.

However, it was the Stags that took control of the final quarter, and kept Bracknell pinned in their own half with some fine tackling and counter rucking, not giving them an opportunity to break out. A breakthrough run by Alex Crocker at scrum half, saw the final pass given out to hooker Stylianou supporting well, and his legs carried him to the right corner to touch down for his second try of the match. 27-10 the score. Then with minutes to go, a cutting run by Harry Parkes through the middle, saw him evading tackles to reach the line under the post. Converted by Wilkinson, the match ended 34-10 to the Stags, five tries to three.

Another good bonus point win for CS Stags. A strong performance too, with all the forwards playing their part to the full against a physical Bracknell pack, and showing strength and determination at every breakdown. Special mention to all the backs as well, with David Wilkinson giving another fine display at fly half, and taking his season points total to 106. Full back Parimal Shreshta, wingers Luke Trigg and Harry Parkes, and centres Emmet McDonnell and Ash Thomas all making tireless runs in both attack and defence in order to make pathways through the Bracknell lines. Stags remain in 4th place in the league table, three points behind both London Scottish Lions and Tunbridge Wells, with Old Alleynians below us on +/- points difference, also on a 53 points total. Jersey lead the way at the top with 73 points, with a 100% win record this season so far. The Regional 1 South Central league table is attached on this report.

Tries: 25 points (x5) – Harry Parkes (x2), Bertie Watson, Pantelis Stylianou (x2)
Conversions: 6 points (x3) – David Wilkinson
Penalty: 3 points (x1) – David Wilkinson.

The CS Staghounds 2nd XV started their revised “Stage 2” of the Gauchos ROC London Shield campaign, with a match away against Richmond Vikings (II’s). I have no other details other than the result was 60-12 to Richmond. The results and league standings have not been updated as yet on England Rugby, so I shall not be posting a Gaucho ROC London Shield table.

League games for next weekend, Saturday 24th January 2026: CS Stags 1863 1st XV have a league break week. Next match scheduled for Saturday 31st January away to Camberley RFC.
CS Staghounds 2nd XV are away to Richmond Saxons (3rd XV) on Saturday 24th January 2026 – so once again at The Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, Richmond TW9 2SF. Do come along and support the Staghounds!

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