The last time these two sides met at Lily Hill was April 2006 in National League 2 (South). That day the score was 29-11 to Dings, this time the score would be very similar.

Bracknell welcomed back a number of players for the game. James Ingle making his league debut, Harry Challenor returning from RAF duty and Michael Clarke back after a few weeks injury.

Bracknell kicked the game off defending the clubhouse end. A number of the crowd displaying the effects from the Sportsman Dinner the night before.

These effects would be blown away within the first five minutes as Bracknell opened the scoring. Going through 14 phases of possession allowed winger Ian Birch to touch down. Ben Yates was unsuccessful with the conversion. 5-0.

Bracknell were forced to defend for long periods of the first half. However Dings were unable to break down the valiant Bracknell defence.

On the 30 minute mark the Bracknell defence finally broke, a smart off load allowed Dings winger Marlon Dorsett to score. Conversion was kicked by Steve Plummer. A further Steve Plummer penalty just before the break meant the half time score was 5-10.

Into the second half with Bracknell attacking the clubhouse, some smart hands down the back line allowed Stuart Mackay, coming off his winger, to break a number of tackles to open the second half scoring. Ben Yates missing the conversion.

Almost immediately Dings responded with a further try from Marlon Dorsett. Conversion was kicked by Steve Plummer. 10-17

With 28mins gone of the second half Dings extended their lead with a drop goal from fly half Ben Bolster. 10-20

Bracknell had a chance to reduce the lead with a penalty in front of the posts following some neat interplay between backs and forwards. The yep of frustration from Ben Yates as he kicked the ball indicating that he had been unsuccessful.

With Bracknell straining to reduce the lead to claim a deserved losing bonus point, a lopped pass was intercepted by full back Harry Tovey for a Dings try under the Bracknell posts. Conversion was sloted by Steve Plummer.

Final time: Bracknell 10 Dings Crusaders 27 (Points: Bracknell 0 Dings Crusaders 4)

Head of Rugby Daniel Ap Dafydd said after the game “Immensely proud of all in a green shirt today. Defence today was mean.”

Massive thanks to the u13 ball boys who were on duty for the first time.

Next week the 1XV are back on the road away at Hornets RFC (KO 2.30pm). Please come along and support the team if you can

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

Bracknell: 1. Tom Williams 2. Michael Clarke 3. Harry Challenor 4. Leo Bailey 5. Kim Plant 6. James Ingle 7. Dom Rice 8. Lachy Valentine 9. Ally Walton 10. Jack Conway 11. Stu Mackay 12. Chris Brember (c) 13. Ben Sanderson 14. Ian Burch 15. Ben Yates Reps: 16. Gareth Staples 17. Josh Webb 18. Andy Slade