Sun 1 Mar 2026
Berkshire Development League Under 15s
Thatcham vs Rams
Thatcham were at home for the first time in the league after a run of cancellations owing to the weather. They previous league games has resulted in two close losses (24-14 against Henley and 14-7 against Newbury). Due to recent recruitment Thatcham were also able to field 3 new debutantes starting their first ever club games of rugby. Rams have had a strong season winning all bar one of their league games. This was set to be a tight game.
Strong early work from Thatcham lead to good field domination but little to show for it as the teams cancelled each other out defensively. Thomas W. making his debut, beat 4 defenders for a 30 metre gain, a sign if the ball could be moved wide there was space to exploint. Rams then managed to make a clean break down the wing eventually scoring over the line and converting to lead 0-7 with 15 minutes played. Thatcham’s forwards responded well and start to win the breakdown and run hard straight lines. Thomas H. making his debut carried numerous times to get the ball moving forward. Rams started to conceded penalties as the pressure grew. Ashley M-D. and Matthew L. Orchestrating the line out brilliantly with Keiron R. the engine room in increasingly dominate mauls.
After another penalty quick thinking from Oliver Y. led to him taking a quick penalty before the Rams defence had reorganised and he scored under the posts conversion added by Aidan E.
Rams responded brilliantly and started to win the collision. They subsequently scored and missed the conversion making it 7-12.
The action packed half was not over yet as Keiron R. broke a number of tackles and drove 20 metres (added by him team mates) to score under the post, conversion added once again 14-12 at half time.
Rams flew out the blocks in the second half and started to win the ruck area, and they regularly got the ball out wide but the midfield defence of Aidan E., Ronnie C. and Joseph B. ensured what ball they had was put under immense pressure.
Five phases of pressure were alleviated by an outstanding clearance kick from Aidan E. launching the ball more than half the field to inflict a blow to Ram’s morale.
The seconds ticked a way until the final whistle ended an outstanding game of rugby and a narrow hard fought first league win.
Thatcham now welcome Bracknell on the 15th of March for their next league game. They go into that game full of confidence.
Why not join a winning team?Thatcham Under 15s are looking for new players. Please email – futureredandblue@gmail.com
Lindsay Abery (Head Coach)
