The last time these two sides met at Rectory Fields was in the 2011/12 season the scoreline was a close 23-24 win to Bracknell. This time both sides needed a win to avoid the drop from the national leagues, so it was always going to be a close and nervous game.

Bracknell not only started the game with four changes on the team sheet that started against Wimbledon a week ago, but also a change in the coaching staff Dan Ap Daffyd’s starting his first game in his capacity of Bracknell’s Interim Head Coach.

The opening exchanges of the game were messy, Bracknell playing into a slight breeze were unable to capitalise on a number of line breaks.

It was Gravesend that had the first opportunity to open the scoring with a penalty, fly half Jake Berthelsen’s attempt just missing. 15 mins on the clock an Ian Burch break resulted in a Bracknell penalty that Lachlan Valentine slotted through the uprights. 0-3 to Bracknell.

With Gravesend enjoying the possession, a catch and drive from a line out allowed Gravesend hooker Zac Lewis to score on the Bracknell corner. Conversion was missed.

Gravesend continued to enjoy the possession and looked like they had extended their lead when winger Rhys Betts crossed the Bracknell try line, only for referee Ben Wilde to pull the play back for a forward pass.

Half time 5-3.

Into the second half and as the rain started to fall another Gravesend break was held up short of the Bracknell try line. Bracknell being awarded a penalty that allowed them to clear their lines. Any relief was to be short lived as more sustained Gravesend pressure saw winger Rhys Betts cross the Bracknell try line following a neat series of passes between the Gravesend players. Conversion was again missed. 10-3

Bracknell’s response was almost immediate. Back rower and man of the match, Liam Goodison stealing the ball at a maul, some quick Bracknell hands meant the ball found its way to Ian Burch, who from the half way line broke a number of Gravesend tackles to score. The try even getting a few nods of approval from the Gravesend supporters. Lewis Dennett now performing the kicking duties put his conversion attempt wide.

This seemed to inspire Bracknell and 5 minutes later following a line break by Lewis Dennett and some quick recycling saw captain Jonny Mirza crash over the Gravesend try line from close quarters. This time Lewis Dennett’s conversion kick was good. 10-15.

Bracknell extended their lead with a Lewis Dennett penalty, when Gravesend were caught offside at a ruck.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining Gravesend constantly had the Bracknell line under pressure. The Bracknell defensive effort was extra ordinary and showed great team sprit even when yellow cards were shown to Leo Bailey and a minute later to James Wright. A final penalty awarded to Bracknell allowed them to kick the ball to touch and bring the game to an end.

Full time Gravesend 10 Bracknell 18 (Points Gravesend 0 Bracknell 4)

Bracknell are now 19 points ahead of third from bottom Westcliffe with only a maximum of 15 points available. Next week they travel to Westcliffe.

Bracknell: 1:Joe Pickett 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Jonny Mirza ( c ) 4:Leo Bailey 5.Jame Wright 6:Tom Field 7:Liam Goodison 8:Lachlan Valentine 9:Ally Walton 10:Jack Conway 11:Ben Yates 12: Danz Faamatuainu 13:Chris Brember 14:Ian Burch 15:George Elliott Subs: Tom Williams, Jasper Miranda, Lewis Dennett