Bracknell 27 – Bournemouth 20

Both sides arrived at Lily Hill having lost their opening fixtures last week, so a win was important to get their seasons underway. On a wet day Bracknell started the game playing away from the clubhouse.

With 26 minutes of the first half gone and having traded penalties it was Bracknell that would score the first try of the game. A training ground move saw the ball thrown to the front of the line out, for a driving maul to cross the try line. Second row Leo Bailey touching the ball down. The conversion from Lewis Dennett hitting the post and rebounding wide.

Bournemouth closed the gap with a further penalty from centre Grant Hancox. 8-6 to Bracknell.

The game was halted for a number of minutes following a clash of heads. The unfortunate Bournemouth player having to leave the field and Michael Clarke left with a deep gash to his head.

Bournemouth took the lead just before half time following a break from number 8 Jack Hennings off a scrum in the Bracknell 22. Being held up short of the Bracknell try line it was second row David Bates who was quickest to the ball to score Bournemouth's first try of the game. The conversion was kicked by Grant Hancox. 8-13 to Bournemouth at half time.

Into the second half. With the rain easing and Bournemouth reduced to 14 men, having had centre Scott Chislett sent to the sin bin, Bracknell retook the lead. Bracknell electing for a scrum from a penalty, awarded in front of the posts, scored their second try with an almost carbon copy of Bournemouth's try. In this case it was Lachy Valentine that drove off the scrum and Kim Plant that was quickest to the ball to score. Lewis Dennett converting. 15-13.

Bournemouth, now back to full strength, responded with an interception try from winger Alex Everett Bolter under the Bracknell posts, which was converted. 15-20.

With ten minutes remaining on the clock Scott Chislett was shown a red card by referee Scott Galbraith for a second yellow card offence of the day.

Bracknell now exerting all the pressure scored their third try of the day. The ball moving along the back line off a scrum saw Ben Sanderson score in the corner. The conversion from Dennett just going wide. 20-20.

Bracknell pushed for the winning try and it came from Lachy Valentine breaking a number of tackles to reach out a long arm to dot the ball down. Lewis Dennett kicking the conversion.

Final Score: Bracknell 27 – Bournemouth 20 (Points: Bracknell 5 – Bournemouth 1)
Man of the Match: Michael Clarke

Bracknell now have two away games at Salisbury and Brixham before they return to Lily Hill on 1st October against Lydney. Don’t forget its quiz night next Friday (16th September) at the clubhouse staring 8pm. All funds raised go to the u16 age group.

Finally a special mention to the injured Bournemouth player from all at Bracknell RFC as we wish him a speedy recovery.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (c) 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Kim Plant 6. Liam Goodison 7. Josh Webb 8. Lachy Valentine 9. Jack Conway 10. Lewis Dennett 11. Ben Yates 12. Stu Mackay 13. Ben Sanderson 14. Ian Burch 15. Andy Slade Replacements: 16. Jasper Mirander 17. Liam Goodison 18. Ben Meaden