Bletchley brought the curtain down on their season in dramatic fashion with a 40–35 victory over Reading at Manor Fields, securing a crucial five-point win in the replayed fixture originally abandoned on 18th April due to a referee injury.

Played in bright spring sunshine, the final game of the campaign delivered a fitting spectacle — a high-scoring, end-to-end contest where both sides traded blows throughout.

Bletchley made the brighter start. At 5 minutes, after sustained pressure and over ten phases of controlled attacking play, winger John Waite powered over to open the scoring. Fly half and vice-captain Cameron Watkins converted to make it 7–0.

Reading responded quickly at 8 minutes with a converted try to level the score at 7–7, before taking the lead at 28 minutes with a well-executed driving maul, also converted, moving ahead 7–14.

Bletchley hit back just before the break. At 30 minutes, strong attacking play from centres Archie Barrett and Jack Lawrence took play deep into the Reading 22, allowing hooker Tom Perkins to pick from the base and carry over. The conversion was missed, leaving the score 12–14 at half-time.

Reading extended their advantage early in the second half. A powerful individual try at 44 minutes, converted, pushed the score to 12–21, and another well-worked score at 50 minutes, also converted, stretched the lead further to 12–28.

Bletchley’s response was immediate and emphatic. At 52 minutes, after Ollie Comery had made a line break and been stopped just short, quick recycling allowed him to receive the ball again out wide and finish. Watkins converted to make it 19–28.

Momentum shifted further at 58 minutes, when inside centre Archie Barrett spotted a gap from close range and drove through to score. Watkins again added the extras to close the gap to 26–28.

Bletchley then took control. At 65 minutes, a scrum in Reading’s half provided the platform for a well-executed backs move, with loops and dummy runners creating space for full back Kyle Gibbings, who broke through three defenders to score. Watkins converted to give Bletchley a 33–28 lead.

Reading refused to go away, crossing at 73 minutes with a converted try to edge back in front 33–35, setting up a dramatic final phase.

The decisive moment came at 76 minutes. A miss-pass to Comery took Bletchley deep into Reading’s 5-metre area, before a powerful carry from prop Aaron Fitzgerald brought them within touching distance. From the next phase, Waite, coming in off his wing, drove over for his second try of the afternoon. Watkins converted to make it 40–35.

Bletchley held firm in the closing moments to secure a vital victory.

The match was a true team effort, with standout performances across the pitch. Archie Barrett, in his final appearance for the club, was deservedly named Man of the Match, delivering a performance full of intensity, intelligence and impact in both attack and defence. Barrett now moves on to a semi-professional opportunity with Letchworth RUFC, and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

Elsewhere, scrum half Jack Sharp was relentless in his work rate, while captain Hugo Govett once again led from the front with powerful carries and leadership throughout. Kyle Gibbings also impressed in both attack and defence, particularly with his well-taken try.

While the performance was full of attacking quality, it was also a match shaped by fine margins, with Bletchley capitalising on key moments while also overcoming periods where Reading punished errors.

Season Sign-Off
This result lifts Bletchley out of the bottom two, though final league positions and relegation outcomes remain subject to RFU confirmation.

Regardless of what follows, this performance reflected the character of the group - resilient, committed, and determined to fight until the very end.

As the season concludes, the club extends its thanks to all supporters who have followed the team home and away, as well as the volunteers, staff, and behind-the-scenes contributors who make matchdays possible week in, week out.

It has not been the easiest of seasons, but the level of support has been outstanding and greatly appreciated by everyone involved.