Launceston made the 210 mile trip to face Bracknell, third from bottom Launceston still looking nervously over their shoulder as the bottom three sides are relegated from this league.

The good Launceston support must have wished they were in Tasmania where the namesakes of the two teams are a mere 30 miles apart!!!!

Bracknell also welcomed back ex Bracknell player Dan Faamatuainu back to Lily Hill now playing for Launceston as number 8.

Bracknell kicked the game off playing towards the clubhouse. It was Launceston that opened the scoring with a try, following some neat interplay between the forwards, full back Faser Honey converting the try.

Bracknell upped the pressure and they were rewarded with a Chris Laidler penalty. Bracknell now enjoying most of the territory and possession could not break down the stout Launceston defence and had to be content with a Chris Laidler drop goal on the 20 minute mark.

On the half hour mark Launceston were reduced in numbers as centre Ryan Western was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. Chris Laidler kicking the resultant penalty. A further Chris Laidler penalty took Bracknell’s lead to 12-5.

With almost the final play of the half, Launceston with only their second venture into the Bracknell 22, scored their second try. Second row Jordan Duke scoring, Faser Honey converting. All Bracknell’s hard work had been nullified.

Half time: Bracknell 12 Launceston 12

8 minutes into the second half Bracknell finally converted their dominance into a try. Kim Plant scoring under the Launceston posts following a number of driving rucks.. Chris Laider missing the conversion.

He was to make amends with a further penalty, as the sides swapped penalties 20-15, with the game entering the final quarter.

There was still time for Launceston to get a second yellow card, Dan Faamatuainu sitting out the final moments of the game.

Launceston had to watch nervously as a final Bracknell penalty went wide, thus earning themselves a deserved losing bonus point before referee Nick Wood blew for full time.

Full time: Bracknell 20 Launceston 15 (Points: Bracknell 4 Launceston 1)

Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd commented after the game "With all the changes in the team enforced on us over the last few weeks really pleased with the win today. Thought we had the greater percentage of both ball and territory today."

Bracknell now enjoy a weekend off before a trip to Camborne on the 25th March. The 1XV are next back in action at Lily Hill on 1st April when they host Bromsgrove.

The result means that with four games remaining there is a maximum of 20 league points up for graps. Bracknell now 23 points above the relegation places have assured themselves of level 5 rugby next season. Bad news for bottom placed Bromsgrove as their loss at Old Reds means that they are 22 points from safety a deficit that cannot be bridged and are relegated.

Bracknell: 1. Jonny Mirza 2. Matt Lamin 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Kim Plant 6. Dom Rice7. Simon Haddad 8. James Ingle (c)9. Lewis Franklin 10. Chris Laidler 11. Ben Yates 12. Will Hopkins 13. Ian Burch 14. Simon Bayliss 15. Andy Slade Replacments: 16. Jasper Mirander 17. Tom Field 18. Tony Lawless