Barnstaple 17 Bracknell 34

The last time these two sides met at Pottington Road the score line was 8-8. This time it was Bracknell that claimed the spoils with a bonus point win.

With Rory having to reshuffle the back line following the departure of Daniel Antonelli to Dubai, Joe Price took over the fly half responsibilities.

Barnstaple opened the scoring with early penalty. This seemed to inspire Bracknell into action with Ken Dowding opening Bracknell’s account with a fine try worked from a catch and drive from a line out. George Owen converting.

With a quarter of an hour gone Ken Dowding scored his second try (and Bracknell's second) crashing over from a ruck close to the line. George Owen converting again, leaving the score 14-3 to Bracknell.

With just over 5 minutes left in the half, with Barnstaple reduced to 14 men, George Milligan scored Bracknell’s third try. The conversion this time was missed.

Bracknell failed to trouble the scorers again before half time, due in part that for the remainder of the half Bracknell were reduced to 13 men. Stuart Silvester and Leo Bailey yellow carded for indiscipline.

Barnstaple opened the scoring in the second half with a converted try. However the pressure on Bracknell was eased and the bonus point secured by a George Owen try, Bracknell working an overlap for the winger to score. George Owen missed the conversion but he made amends 5 minutes later slotting over a penalty, leaving the scoreline 10-27 to Bracknell.

A further Barnstaple try saw them get to within ten points of Bracknell, Bracknell missing a number of tackles at the critical time. Any concerns that the Bracknell travelling supporters may have had were eased by George Milligan’s second try of the match. Barnstaple, now chasing the game, conceded possession in their own 22 for Bracknell to score under the posts.

Full time score 34-17 to Bracknell and Bracknell down to 14 again.

Next Saturday sees the 1XV back at Lily Hill, with a tough fixture vs Bournemouth. There is also the first Former Players Lunch of the season, so promises to be a good rugby day. To book lunch contact Ken Ramsden or Steve Ward.

Pete’s Predictions is taking a well earned break, but will be back in a few weeks.

Bracknell - 1:Jonny Mirza 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Ken Dowding 4:Leo Bailey 5.Kenny Barry 6:Matt Brambley 7:George Milligan (C) 8:Nico Maybury 9:Jack Conway 10:Joe Price 11:George Owen 12:Stuart Mackay 13:Vasa Bai 14:Ian Burch 15:Ben Yates Subs: Giuseppe Salustri, Ollie Taylor, Pete Austin