Bracknell took to the road after two home games and a weekend off. The road this time was a familiar route leading to Allington Fields home of Chippenham RFC, a team who Bracknell had encountered back in the days when the leagues were split Dorset, Wilshire and Berkshire, when it was a regular fixture in the season (some older players may even remember playing at the old Birch Grove ground). Although it has been nearly eight years since the teams last met at Allington Fields in a SSE National League 3 South West fixture, one player remained in the team from that meeting, the ever youthful Chris Laidler (who scored a try and kicked a conversion on the day). Bracknell won on that occasion, 22-7.

The early season rounds have left the two teams at different ends of the table. Chippenham knowing that a first win of the season over unbeaten Bracknell could be a kick start to their season.

Chippenham kicked the game off playing into the slight breeze. Only a penalty from fly half Jonny Dowell would separate the sides at half time as the sides exchanged penalty kicks in a tight half that neither side could dominate.

Half time: Chippenham 6 Bracknell 3

Five minutes into the half with Chippenham reduced in numbers, a break from deep within the Bracknell half by captain Ian Burch found Jake Findlay in space. A smart off load to Alex Frame allowed him to outpace the covering Chippenham defence for the games first try. Jake Findlay’s conversion stalled in the stiffening breeze.

Bracknell could not further break down the Chippenham resistance and on the twenty-minute mark a Jonny Dowell penalty gave Chippenham back the lead, a lead that looked like giving Chippenham the victory.

With the game into the final minutes, a series of penalties meant Bracknell could finally build some pressure on the Chippenham try line. A final catch and drive from a line out saw a number of the backs join the forwards to drive the maul over the Chippenham try line. Bradley Walters coming up with the all-important score. The conversion from Jake Findlay was missed but clock had run down for full time.

Full time: Chippenham 9 Bracknell 13 (Points: Chippenham 1 Bracknell 4)

The result means Bracknell maintain their unbeaten record this season to remain top of the league. Bonus point wins for Banbury, Oxford Quins and Newbury means that Bracknell’s lead is reduced to three points over the chasing pack.

Well done to the 3XV and 4XV who both recorded wins in their respective league games and commiserations to the Under 16’s who lost 22-14 to Chippenham Under 16 in the curtain raiser to the 1XV game.

The 1XV are back in action next Saturday when Frome are the visitors to Lily Hill. Prior to kick off there is a pre-match lunch. To book or for more details click here.

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1 Jake Hodge 2 Bradley Walters 3 Nick Ovens 4 Sam Dunks 5 Jamie Johnson 6 Joe Maybey 7 Tom Field 8 Ken Hodgson 9 Alex Frame 10 Johnny O’Hehir 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Chris Laidler 13 Bart Van Herwijnen 14 Ian Burch (c) 15 Jake Findlay Replacements: Ruairi Henderson, Ben Bathhurst, Danny Bournes.