1XV continue their winning ways

A resurgent Bracknell team continued their winning ways with a hard fought and highly competitive win, their 7th in the last 9 outings.

Bracknell felt at home on a soft muddy surface very similar to Lily Hill Park, kicked off into a stiff breeze and were rewarded immediately with a penalty for crossing. Chris Laidler struck the ball true and Bracknell led 0-3.

Both teams had their moments in first quarter, but much of Dings procession and territory was gained following a Bracknell error - missed touches or penalties at the breakdown allowing Dings to stay in the game and take the lead with two well struck penalties from Steve Plummer.

The Bracknell forwards carried hard, with Lachy Valentine, James Ingle & Kim Plant gaining yards, but perhaps the most impressive feature of the visitors first half performance was their claustrophobic defence where Danial Carpo was more than effective - the blitz was executed well but the work when defending attacking line outs where Dings expected to take advantage, was impressive.

A scuffle on the floor resulted in one massive pile up with Dings players travelling from afar to get involved resulted in 3 yellow cards, with Dings Ashley Challenger lucky it wasn't a red connecting with multiple punches under the referees nose.

The half finished with another Laidler penalty, and the teams retired to the changing rooms level at 6-6.

Dings started the stronger in the second period but were rocked on 47 minutes when Peceli 'Naka' Nacamavuto intercepted an attack and ran the ball in wide out from 60 meters, the conversion was missed but Bracknell led 6-11.

On 52 minutes the referee gave a penalty for handling in a ruck, an infringement he could not have seen and this good fortune was the stimulus for a Dings drive upfield which resulted in a short range try under the visitors posts. The conversion gave Dings a 13-11 lead.

The lead was short lived as Laidler converted another penalty. Chris Laidler and Lewis Franklin kicked magnificently in the second half, continually driving play deep into the home side 22. But Dings are 2nd in the league for good reason, they have resilience and a fly half in Mark Woodrow who can manage a game well - in defeat he was Dings standout player - and it was his drop goal that recaptured the lead on 65 minutes. However, resilience has become a feature of Bracknells game too and it was only two minutes later that a penalty was awarded to Bracknell marginally inside Dings half.

With the conditions underfoot this was a long shot, but Laidler was up to the challenge and the ball sailed high and dissected the posts - the lead was once again Bracknells.

The closing ten minutes were frenetic and the visitors almost gave the game to Dings by conceding kickable penalties in the closing minutes. Both were missed and Bracknell secured a well deserved win on the road.

Final Score: Dings Crusaders 16 - 17 Bracknell.

Bracknell: 1 Tom Williams 2 Jasper Mirandan 3 Jonny Mirza 4 Liam Goodison 5 Kim Plant 6 Lachy Valentine 7 Daniel Carpo 8 James Ingle (C) 9 Lewis Franklin 10 Chris Laidler 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Peceli Nacamavuto 13 Ben Sanderson 14 Ian Burch 15 Andy Slade Replacements: Harry Challenor Simon Hadad Ben Yates

They now face Hornets at Lily Hill Park next Saturday (KO 2.15pm). Before the game there is the second VP Lunch of the season starting at 12noon. This is free for VPs and £20 per head for guests and non VPs. Booking is essential for this event. To book please contact Gill Exon Hon Club Secretary email secretary@bracknellrugbyclub.com.

The games between Hornets and Bracknell have always been entertaining close affairs and we hope this one will be no different!!!! So even if you can’t make the lunch please come down and support your local rugby club.

GoBRFC!