Bracknell and Banbury could claim to be the current front runners of South West 1 East. The pair have won both their opening games and jointly amassed nearly two hundred points in the process. Before Sherbourne's Friday night win they sat in first and second place in the league. Banbury making their first venture away from their home ground, Bodicote Park, this season have finished in third place in the league for the last two seasons, meaning that they were going to present a formidable challenge if Bracknell were to maintain their excellent start to the season.

Banbury kicked off attacking towards the clubhouse and it would be Banbury that would open the scoring with converted try after five minutes.

With Banbury pressuring the Bracknell try line an interception by Ian Burch saw him show the younger chasing legs a clean pair of heels to dot down under the Banbury post to equalise the scores. Three minutes later Banbury re-took the lead, some smart hands in the Banbury back line saw full back Tommy Gray cross the Bracknell try line. The conversion attempt from fly half James Miller was just wide.

A James Miller penalty extended the Banbury lead after twenty-five minutes.

Bracknell finally got into gear with some sustained pressure on the Banbury try allowing Jamie Johnson crash over under the Banbury posts on the half an hour mark. Jake Findlay added the conversion.

With Bracknell temporary reduced in numbers, James Miller was able to add another three points to the Banbury score with a penalty just before the half time break.

Half time: Bracknell 14 Banbury 18

Bracknell opened the second half scoring. Now attacking towards the clubhouse, some smart hands between the Bracknell back three saw Jake Findlay dot down in the corner. He was just wide with his conversion attempt.

With just over quarter an hour gone Banbury struck back. A cross kick by James Miller found winger Charlie Norton in space. He was able to collect the bouncing ball and cross the Bracknell white wash. James Miller added the extra’s to give Banbury a six point lead.

The Bracknell response was immediate. A number of pick and goes on the Banbury try line saw Ken Hodgson drive over to score and to close the Banbury lead. The conversion from Jake Findlay eased Bracknell into a one point lead.

With just over ten minutes remaining and with Banbury reduced in numbers Bracknell pressed home their advantage. After being awarded a number of penalties on the Banbury try line the referee’s patience finally ran out and a penalty try was awarded to Bracknell.

In the dying moments James Miller was on target for a final Banbury penalty and the game’s final score.

Full time: Bracknell 33 Banbury 28 (Points Bracknell 5 Banbury 1)

The result leaves Bracknell top of the table with an unblemished record, although Newbury Blues, Sherbourne and Oxford Quins are also still unbeaten.

Well done to the Stags who recorded an excellent 47-5 win over local rival Maidenhead II’s.

The 1XV are back in action next Saturday when they make the short trip to Beaconsfield (KO 3pm). Please come along and support the team if you can.

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1 Ruairi Henderson 2 Bradley Walters 3 jake Hodge 4 Dave Barron 5 Jamie Johnson 6 Joe Maybury 7 Tom Field 8 Ken Hodgson 9 Alex Frame 10 Johnny O’Hehir 11 Ben Yates 12 Chris Laidler 13 Dan Mays 14 Ian Burch (c) 15 Jake Findlay Replacements: Harry Challenor, Ben Bathhurst, Dan Walton.