Camborne win ends 1XV unbeaten run

Bracknell made the 263 mile trip down to Camborne Friday night in an effort to negate the effects of the long journey and keep the run of seven wins on the bounce going. However Crane Park is a difficult place to visit as seven of the nine sides to visit this season have found out and third in the league Camborne were not going to permit Bracknell ‘do the double’ over them this season that easy.

Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd was able to name a virtually an unchanged side from the side that defeated Camborne’s fellow Cornishmen, Launceston last time out. The one change being Jasper Miranda staring at hooker replacing the unavailable Matt Lamin. Harry Challenor coming onto the replacement bench as front row cover.

On a sunny afternoon with a breeze blowing across the pitch, Bracknell, playing up the slope, enjoyed all the possession for the first 5 minutes, forcing a Chris Laidler penalty for a 0-3 lead.

Camborne responded with a catch and drive down the slope, releasing the ball to their backs for a try under the Bracknell posts. Conversion missed 5-3.

Bracknell were to concede a further try when a wayward pass popped up to Camborne’s second row Ashley Lawton to score. Conversion missed 10-3

With the Bracknell forwards taking control of the ball, some smart recycling saw the ball pop out to James Ingle to score a try. Conversion missed 10-8

Some neat interplay from Camborne’s back row saw Camborne add to their lead with their third try. Conversion this time was good.

A sniping break and kick ahead by Lewis Franklin saw the Camborne cover just beat him to the touch down. Bracknell would close Camborne’s lead before half time with two Chris Laidler penalties.

Half time: 17-14.

With Bracknell enjoying the slope, they opened the second half scoring and took the lead, with a Dom Rice try. Conversion by Tony Lawless, who had temporarily taken over the kicker duties while Chris Laidler was off the field, was good. 17-21.

With Camborne reduced in numbers Bracknell missed a penalty to extend their lead. The numbers were equalled up when Kim Plant was sin binned. Shorty, perhaps more controversially, to be followed by Jasper Mirander. Bracknell losing all their momentum as an outcome of the sin binnings.

Camborne took full advantage of their superior numbers and a fine run by full back Rhys Brownfield resulted in a fourth try for Camborne, much to the delight of the large home crowd. Conversion missed 22-21.

Bracknell had several phases in Camborne’s 22 but their defence held and a missed attempt at a drop goal by Bracknell was the last play of the game.

Full time: Camborne 22 Bracknell 21 (Points: Camborne 5 Bracknell 1)

The result leaves Bracknell in sixth place in the league. Old Reds 37-41 win at Newton Abbot sees them crowded as league champions - many congrats to them.

Next week Bracknell play host to Bromsgrove (KO 3pm). There is a pre match hot and cold buffet available. To book contact Gill Exon.

Bracknell: 1. Jonny Mirza 2. Jasper Miranda 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Kim Plant 6. Dom Rice 7. 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 Replacements: 16. Harry Challenor 17. Tom Field 18. Tony Lawless