Traffic chaos on the M5 meant that the kick off for Bracknell’s final away game of the season was delayed for nearly two hours. On a sunny and warm Devon afternoon, the biggest cheer of the day from the travelling Bracknell supporters was the final arrival of the Bracknell team at Rackerhayes. Lots were being drawn as to who would be playing!!!

Captaincy duties for the day were taken on by Ian Burch in the absence of James Ingle, Tom Field replacing him at Eight. Stu Makay came back into the team on the wing after a number of weeks on the side line.

A Rob Avery-Wright penalty gave the hosts an early lead before Bracknell capitalised on their early territorial advantage with a Leo Bailey try. A Chris Laidler penalty extended Bracknell’s lead. 3-8.

On the half hour mark the hosts were to draw level with a try from scrum half Luke Kenny. Newton. Abbott extended their lead with further tries from centre Kyle Browne and full back Rob Avery-Wright .

Just before the half time break a Chris Laidler penalty reduced Newton Abbots lead.

Half time Newton Abbot 22 Bracknell 11

Whether it was the delay on the M5 or the affects of a long season but Bracknell failed to get going in the second half. Newton Abbots back row exploiting this, each one scoring with Newton Abbots excellent Number 8 Jarryd Harris collecting a brace.

Bracknell finally, and all too late, got their second half going. The ever youthful Jonny Mirza making a break and off loading to Stu Mackay to dot down. A further Stu Mackay try did give Bracknell a hope of collecting a bonus point but a poor pass at the critical moment meant the chance was lost.

Congrats to Jake Findley who came off the replacements bench to make his first team debut.

Final Score: Newton Abbot 50 Bracknell 23 (Points: Newton Abbot 5 Bracknell 0)

Bracknells final game of the season is after the Easter break when they host league champions Old Reds on 22nd April. (KO 3pm). There is a full pre-match lunch, £20 per head. To book contact Sue Field, Interim Clubhouse Manager.

Elsewhere in the league with the relegation spots decided last week the final play-off spot was the only position to be decided. This has gone to Dings Crusaders who will play either Tonbridge Juddian or Wimbledon for a place in Nation Two South.

Coming up into Nation Three SW next season are Maidenhead whose win at Reading Abbey sees them up as champions. Joining them are Weston Super Mare, while Newbury are in the box seat for a play off spot. Exmouth will be rejoining Nation Three SW after a season Nation Two South, while the other relegation positions in Nation Two South are still to be decided, the two remaining spots currently occupied by London teams - it will be interesting to see what affect (if any) this has on Bracknell next season.

Bracknell: 1 Harry Challenor 2 Jasper Miranda 3 Jonny Mirza 4 Leo Bailey 5 Kim Plant 6 Dom Rice 7 Simon Haddad 8 Tom Field 9 Lewis Franklin 10 Chris Laidler 11 Stu Mackay 12 Will Hopkins 13 Ian Burch (c) 14 Ben Sanderson 15 Andy Slade Replacements: 16 Gareth Staples 17 Liam Goodison 18 Jake Findlay