Bracknell welcomed Lydney to Lily Hill for the first time since November 2013. Bracknell making five changes to the squad that faced Brixham last week. Liam Henning back in the starting line for the first time this season.

The game started with a light rain falling, Bracknell playing away from the clubhouse for the first half.

With 25 minutes gone, with the rain now easing, Bracknell had taken early lead 6-0 through two Liam Henning penalties. Lydney were reduced to fourteen men when back rower Lewis Williams was sent to the sin bin.

Just before the 40 minute mark, pressure from Bracknell saw them cross the Lydney try line, but unable to ground the ball. From the resulting scrum the ball was released to the Bracknell backs, Peceli Nacamavuto fed winger Stuart Mackay from him to weave his way to the Lydney try line. Liam Henning kicking the conversion. 13-0 Bracknell.

Some late Lydney pressure saw Bracknell hold the visitors up over their own try line. A great Bracknell defensive effort saw them close out the half without conceding any first half points. Half time score line 13-0.

At half time a first half knock to captain Chris Brember saw him replaced by Lewis Dennett, Liam Henning moving to centre. The move did not affect his kicking, as he kicked another Bracknell penalty a minute into the half, following an impressive break by Ben Yates. 16-0.

10 minutes into the second half Bracknell turned over a Lydney ball, some quick hands from Lachy Valentine allowed Peceli Nacamavuto to break through the Lydney defence and score Bracknell’s second try. Conversion kicked by Liam Henning.

Lydney were reduced to fourteen men again with referee Ben Russell producing a yellow card. The numbers were to be equaled up a minute later when Lachy Valentine was sent to the sin for a no arms tackle.

With half the second half gone, Lydney responded with a try from a driving maul, off a line out. 8 minutes later they were to further close the gap with a push over scrum following a move which saw them held up, again, in the Bracknell try area. 23-12.

Any fears of a Lydney fight back were eased with Liam Henning penalty. 26-12.

With time up on the clock, a penalty was awarded to Bracknell in front of the Lydney posts. Bracknell elected for a scrum rather a ‘shot at goal’. Off the scrum, scrum half Ally Walton was able to dash through a gap that had appeared in the Lydney defence for Bracknell’s third try. Conversion kicked by Liam Henning.

Full time: Bracknell 33 – Lydney 12 (Points: Bracknell 4 – Lydney 0)
Man of the Match: Liam Henning

Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd said after the match, “I am happy with the result after all the hard work this week. I thought we showed some great defence.”

Bracknell are back down the M4 next week was they travel to Bristol based side Cleve RFC. The next home 1XV is not until the 22nd October when Dings Crusaders visit Lily Hill. Please lend your support to team.

Don’t forget the Sportsman Dinner is on 21st October with guest of honour James Haskell. If you have not yet got your ticket then contact Steve Ward.

Bracknell: 1. Gareth Staples 2. Jasper Miranda 3. Tom Williams 4. Liam Goodison 5. Kim Plant 6. Josh Webb 7. Dom Rice 8. Lachy Valentine 9. Ally Walton 10. Liam Hemming 11. Stu Mackay 12. Peceli Nacamavutu 13. Chris Brember (C) 14. Ian Burch 15. Ben Yates Replacements: Bradley Walters, Josh Knight, Lewis Dennett