CS Stags welcomed the Bracknell Stags to Dukes Meadows for a 17.00 kick off on the 4G pitch under lights. Great to see some both old and new faces turning out to support the Stags on a clear but chilly Saturday evening.

A dour battle ensued between two very good, competitive teams, both with an excellent showing in defence and speed of distribution. Bracknell opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a movement from left field out to their winger to go over for the try in the right corner. No conversion, CS are 0-5 down. Both teams stifled each other’s attrition until the 35-minute mark, when CS kicked to the right corner after being awarded a penalty. A good clean catch followed, with ball palmed down to Ricky Hollamby (2) to make a charge for the line. Held short, the drive progressed infield, where after a few breakdowns, Alex Jones (9) burrowed over for the try. 5-5 now the score, with John Hargreaves (10) conversion attempt coming off the posts the wrong way. Just before the half ended, CS won another line out on the half way line, and quick hands through the line saw the ball channelled to the left for Luke Trigg (11) to run on to a kick ahead with speed, and score in the corner. No conversion, score 10-5 to CS, and that is how the half ended.

Ten minutes into the second half Bracknell add to their score, with a line out and drive on the CS 5-metre line to go over for the try. Unsuccessful conversion by Bracknell, score now 10 points apiece. It took another fifteen minutes of end-to-end play from both sides, before CS break through again. This time a scrum won on the half line sees John Hargreaves (10) nudge ahead for Luke Trigg (11) to collect, and inside through the Bracknell defence to score on the left. Unconverted, score now 15-10 to CS. The last five minutes were nerve jangling for the CS Stags contingent on the touchline! Matt Harwood (4) was yellow carded. Bracknell camped on our try line. But great credit to the CS boys, who stoically held out and put their bodies on the line in defence, and secure the win. Final score CS Stags 1863 15 – Bracknell RFC 10.

Summary: Today was a measure of true resolve and determination by the CS boys to execute their defence, and hold on to the win, despite severe pressure by Bracknell in the dying minutes. CS thus take the season ‘head-to-head’ against Bracknell on points, as we picked up both a try and losing bonus in the away match. Well done to the whole team and coaching squad. An excellent win today!

Man of the match award (as chosen by Oli Bryant (Head Coach) – Tom Eyston (1) – Tom had a great game in the front row, both in the tight and loose, and set an example today. Special mentions: Alex Jones (9) who channelled the distribution from scrum half, and Rick Hollamby (2) another great game at hooker, and always present at the back of the maul with ball in hand. Congratulations to Guy Jones for a great first team debut today.

Tries (3): Alex Jones, Luke Trigg (x2) – 15 points