Sat 16 Dec 2023
Wallingford welcomed Bracknell II to the Hithercroft on a mild December afternoon for their last game before the Christmas break.
In selection, Wallingford were again able to field a near full strength side barring the half dozen long term absences, as Lawson Dallimore and Josh Morris returned to the pack, and Sam Botting and Chris Greig-Jenkins came into the backline.
It was clear from the off that this was a much stronger Bracknell side that had hosted Wallingford earlier in the season, as the opening exchanges saw some heavyweight collisions between the two sets of forwards.
Wallingford created several early chances, including a James Porter try that was ruled not to have been grounded on the line, but they only came away with a Charles Campbell penalty for all their endeavour.
After the visitors lost a back row to the bin for a high tackle, Wallingford finally crossed the whitewash following a well-executed catch and drive that saw skipper James Norris emerge with the ball for his 53rd 1st XV try. Conversion missed.
Wallingford soon extended their lead with their second try. With a penalty advantage on the Bracknell twenty-two, Charles Campbell kicked wide to Sam Botting who fielded the bouncing ball before popping inside to the supporting Murray Bellis who ran in from 15m for a converted score.
Despite the heavy under foot conditions, there was plenty of enterprise shown by both sides as they both looked to move the ball wide. But it was again the hosts who were able to breakdown the opposition defence for their third score. This time, from a solid set-piece Greig-Jenkins came off his wing to crash through the Bracknell midfield before feeding Bellis again who sprinted in for his second try under the posts.
But just when it looked like the floodgates might open, Bracknell showed their potential as they caught Wallingford napping in defence. After a dropped ball at the restart, the ball was moved right to exploit an overlap, and despite an excellent covering tackle from Tom Perrott, the ball was popped off the floor for the Bracknell centre to go over for a good score.
Half-Time – Wallingford 19 – 5 Bracknell II
The second half saw Wallingford’s discipline begin to creak, as Bracknell enjoyed some early pressure in the half, but the Wallingford defence held firm.
And it was the hosts that were to score next as they secured the four try bonus point. From a breakdown on halfway, a half break was popped up to the omnipresent Tom Perrott who raced though before being somewhat bizarrely tripped by the covering Bracknell winger who had lost his footing and ended up executing a two footed lunge that Vinny Jones would have been proud of. Unfortunately for Bracknell, the referee deemed this a try denying infringement so a penalty try was awarded and the winger was sent to the bin.
Despite the numerical disadvantage Bracknell came back well and were soon on the scoreboard again. After Wallingford infringed again at the breakdown, a quick thinking Bracknell player kicked through and won the foot race for a fine solo score.
Going into the last quarter, Bracknell were still very much in the game, but Wallingford had other ideas, as they upped their game and ruthlessly put the game to bed.
With the Bracknell pack starting to tire, Wallingford were able to secure quick ball and put Bracknell under constant pressure. After James Norris doubled his tally for the game with a signature six inch finish, the backs then cut loose to add three further tries.
Moving the ball right on each occasion, Botting, Cerullo, Bellis and Chapman combined brilliant running lines and handling to slice through the Bracknell defence seemingly at will, With Cerullo, Botting and Bellis all crossing in the last 10 minutes to take the score past the half century.
Full Time : Wallingford 51 – 12 Bracknell II
This was a fine performance from Wallingford in heavy conditions and in fading light. Bracknell were a much improved side from earlier in the season and probably fancied their chances with the side they put out, but Wallingford are in good nick going into Christmas and put in a ruthless display.
The set-piece was solid throughout and the back line played some of their best rugby this season, as the support on the sideline were treated to some excellent running rugby.
The likes of Nathan Chapman, Murray Bellis, Sam Botting and Carl Tappin had excellent games, but Man of the Match went to young Tom Perrott, who put in a masterclass at scrum half – excellent distribution, intelligent running and strong defence.
Match Photos:
Wallingford RFC - 1st XV vs Bracknell II - 16th December 2023 (rfu.club)
