The game was an edgy affair reflecting the comparative league places of both sides, Bracknell holding on to their lead in a dramatic ending that would have graced the stage of the nearby Chichester Festival Theatre

The game kicked off on a damp Autumn day, the wind blowing across the pitch favouring nether side.

It was Bracknell that enjoyed the best of the opening phases. The Bracknell pressure allowed a Tony Lawless to have an early attempt from a penalty after 10mins. The kick just going wide in the wind.

Bracknell pressed further on the Chichester line but some stoic defending held Bracknell out. After what seemed an eternity camped on the Chichester five meter line Bracknell scored through a Liam Hemming try, breaking a number of tackles to score in front of the clubhouse. Tony Lawless’s kick this time going through the centre of the uprights.

0-7 Bracknell at half time.

The second was a scrappy affair Bracknell only able to extend their lead with a Tony Lawless penalty.

With neither side being able to impose their will on the other, it seemed Bracknell would close out the game. That was until, with 10 minutes to go, a carry by former Bracknell player Ken Dowling drew in a number of Bracknell players allowing some space for No 8, and Chichester captain, Chris Johnson to score. Conversion was missed. 5-10 to Bracknell, setting up a nervous last period for the travelling Bracknell supporters.

The try seemed to inspire the Chichester players as they pressed the Bracknell line with a series of scrums and penalties, even crossing the Bracknell try line only to be unable to ground the ball.

Bracknell finally cleared their lines with a penalty. However the Bracknell supporters still had to suffer as Bracknell managed to lose the resultant line out allowing Chichester one more attempt to win the game. This effort failing as they were penalised for not releasing the ball in the tackle allowing Bracknell to finally kick the ball to touch and the referee to blow the final whistle much to the relief of all Bracknell supporters!!!

Final score Chichester 5 Bracknell 10 (Points Chichester 0 Bracknell 4)

Bracknell now face Eton Manor at Lily Hill next Saturday (KO 2.15pm), and will be looking to secure back to back wins for the first time this season. There is also a VP Lunch to book contact Steve Ward.

Bracknell: 1:Jonny Mirza ( C ) 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Tom Williams 4:Kenny Barry 5.Leo Bailey 6:George Milligan 7:Tom Devereux 8:Lachlan Valentine 9:Tony Lawless 10:Liam Hemming 11:Stuart Mackay 12:Dan Faamatuainu 13:Neil Higgins 14:Ian Burch 15:Ben Yates Subs: James Wright, Joe Price

Pete’s Predictions is enjoying a break at the moment but will be back soon!