This week saw us hosting a combination of Bracknels As and Bs and they provided a much more difficult problem to recent teams.
Vandals suffered missing players in key positions which meant a fair bit of shuffling around and players out of their favoured positions.

From the start, Vandals stood off Bracknell, allowing them to gather pace and run at the defence. We were subjected to strong determined runs from several of their players who were given too much space and time, meaning that tackles had to be made efficiently. Unfortunately, Vandals reverted to type and tried tackling at chest height and mostly received a strong hand off which stopped the tackle being made.
Bracknell ran in at will and, despite some very good individual efforts to stop the tide, by half time were 26 - 0 up.

Whatever was said or done at half time produced a different display from Vandals, who played their own game and supported well which resulted in a swift try for Harry Weatherall. No conversion but a good attempt from far out.
This seemed to galvanise the boys as they then went back at Bracknell, supporting close to the ball carrier and making the ball available, only to knock on at the line and Bracknell were able to clear their line. There were glimses of great individual skills and efforts but Vandals looked as though they were a group of lads thrown together and as though they didn't know each other very well.

The tackling and effort in the second half was much better and Bracknell were kept to 2 tries, one of which was converted.
Although Vandals struggled against well organised, good support play and some 'bullying' tactics, they never dropped their heads or gave up on the game, for which they should all be recognised. I am sure there will be bumps and bruises aplenty but it was a very good effort to restrict such a strong, well organised side to 2 tries in the second half.

There are areas for concern but with effort from the boys, I'm sure they will deal with them and move on.