It’s been quite a while since Bournemouth and Bracknell met in the league, Bournemouth having been playing in National Three and Bracknell in the London leagues and SW One. So it was a pleasure to welcome Bournemouth back to Lily Hill along with the mass (unsure of the collective noun) of former players who enjoyed a pre match lunch before the meeting of the seventh and eighth placed sides.

The team was showing number of changes from the side that defeated Barnstaple last time out, the most notable being Barry Dwyer coming in at scrum half, for his 1XV debut, and Ben Nowak in at centre, whose retirement seems to be greatly exaggerated!!

Despite Bracknell missing two early penalties, they still managed to open the scoring thru George Milligan following a move off the scrum and some fine link up play with Ben Yates. Conversion was kicked by George Owen.

Bournemouth got themselves back into the game with a bizarre passage of play. With the two forward packs still ‘discussing’ the previous scrum, and the play seeming stopped, Bracknell switched off. Bournemouth took full advantage, cantering the length of the field to touch the ball down for a try. Conversion was kicked. 7 all and Bracknell reduced to 14 men.

Minutes later Bournemouth took the lead with a try from scrum half Sam Hardcastle which was converted by Lewis Dennett.

In an incident packed half, the playing numbers were equalled out and then set to Bracknell’s favour with two successive Bournemouth sin binnings. Bracknell took full advantage with Ian Burch scoring following some fine handing by the backs and forwards alike.

Bracknell’s final score of the half came from a penalty kicked by George Owen meaning the score at half time was 20-14.

9 minutes into the second half saw a debut try for Barry Dwyer. A further ten minutes later Bracknell secured the bonus point with a try by George Milligan. The, up to then, resolute Bournemouth defence was now waning and further Bracknell trys came from George Milligan, George Owen and Ian Burch with a length of a pitch run. Kenny Barry did not score but brought me a pint so here's his mention!

A Bournemouth consolation try came from back rower Tony Dunkerley. Full time 65-24.

The game was probably Bracknell's best performance of the season so far, and it was fitting that they should produce a quality performance in front of so many former players. Talk about the ‘old days’ went long into the evening.

Bracknell will need to repeat this performance next week as they head to South Devon for a very tricky game against a very good third placed side, Brixham. Please lend your support if you can.

GO BRFC!

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