BRACKLEY 5-0 SWIFTS
In a match that promised edginess, niggles and physicality it was the weather that ultimately played the biggest part in this match where victory was down to marginal gains and a true war of attrition for the full 80 minutes
Both teams started the match with very high intensity levels but it was the strong winds that were dictating both teams tactics, each trying to make the most of prevalent conditions and field positions. It was a day for close play and as such, the tackle count was high and at times contact was bruising. If anything, Swifts had the upper hand over Brackley in the first 20 minutes, dominating the scrum and line-outs functioning well.
The only break through of the match then came as Swifts threw the ball around a little too much in the wrong area of the pitch, Brackley putting the pressure on and forcing the handling errors which allowed a kick through and chase. The result being Brackley touching down in the corner with an unconverted try, a try that went against the initial run of play.
Despite Swifts still dominating the set pieces, the match evened up with both teams hitting the gain line hard and giving as good as they got, each one not wanting to budge knowing that the smallest of errors could completely change the game.
Swifts finished strong with one last foray into the Brackley 22 putting together around 15 phases of play, inching closer and closer to the Brackley try line. The tempo was high and Swifts were getting close but an accidental off side misdemeanour saw Brackley gain a free kick which saw out the end of the game.
In a fixture that has historically had its niggles and frayed tempers, both teams walked away with a new found mutual respect and beers were shared after the match. There's all to play for in the return fixture!!
Thanks again to Andrea from Moo Photography for the fantastic pictures.