The 2nds, now back in regular action, made the short trip up to Northampton to The Racecourse Ground where they renewed old ties with Northampton Heathens. In the bright sun and soft ground, both teams pushed to their limits but Heathens overcame a determined Brackley side.

Heathens were nice enough to lend 2 props to Brackley who travelled short of numbers, but it didn't down their enthusiasm to play. Some players played out of position including James Butler at hooker, Ollie Judkins at Flanker and Daniel Boot-Handford at full back. Heathens immediately pushed Brackley back into their 22 for a 19 minute period where Brackleys defence made sure Heathens didn't break through for a score. Then it was Brackleys turn to make work of Heathens defence, with a handful of penalties going Brackleys way, they couldn't use the advantage they had, and the half ended 0-0.

The first score of the game didn't come until 10 minutes into the second half, with Number 8 Jonathon Boot-Handford kicking a penalty from close range. With the unusual February heat taking it's toll on both sets of players, Heathens finally broke their way through the defence, after a mix up in a tackle, the ball was bouncing around the Brackley in goal area for the Heathens centre to score an unconverted try. From there, the floodgates opened, with a kick-and-chase from the scrum half neatly finished by the winger and converted by the scrum half almost immediately following, and then rugged forward power leading to Heathens third. It was a day for the forwards of Northampton as they dominated the scrums and mauls, however Brackley never looked down and finally got on the try list with a pick and drive from prop Rob Walker, one of the players leant to Brackley by Heathens. To Brackleys credit, only losing by 9 points to a superior Heathens pack will do wonder for their confidence, who now travel back to Northampton again next week, this time in Merit Table action against BBOB 3rds.