Hornets have never finished above Bracknell in the league, although Hornets had won both league games between the two sides previously, both games had been close affairs with no more than five points separating the sides. This game was to prove no different.

Bracknell welcomed back Jonny Mirza making his first league start this season, following the birth of his daughter, and Lewis Dennett returning to the starting line up. Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd ,again this season, was unable to announce an unchanged side, having to reshuffle his forward pack as a result of injury .

On a damp and grey day, playing on the pitch in front of the clubhouse so that works on the new 4G pitch being installed at the Hornets ground could continue, Bracknell kicked off.

Hornets enjoyed the early pressure but it was Bracknell that had the first attempt to put points on the score board, a Lewis Dennett penalty kick just falling short.

With Ben Yates in the sin bin Hornets scored the game’s first try. Hooker Kieran Ward crashing over the Bracknell try line from a ruck. Conversion was kicked by winger Oscar James.

Both sides were unable to break down the defence of the other try as they might.

Just before the half time break, some swift hands between backs and forwards resulted in Bracknell being held up in the Hornet goal area. From the five meter scrum James Ingle was able to off the ball to Lachlan Valentine for him to score. Conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennett.

Half time score: 7-7.

Hornets were to open the second half scoring with a try from winger Charlie Carter. The conversion being missed. 12-7.

With quarter of an hour of the second half gone, referee Zerran Bell produced a red card for Hornets flanker Jack O’Malley for reckless use of the boot. The same incident also saw Bracknell second row Lachlan Valentine having to permanently leave the field to receive treatment on a cut sustained to the back of the head.

From the line out kicked from the penalty Jasper Mirander was able squeeze over the Hornets try line for Bracknell’s second try.

Conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennett. 12-14.

With Bracknell now exerting all the pressure a Lewis Dennett penalty took the score to 12 -17.

With only minutes left of the game a Hornets attack allowed Hornets full back Joe Gadd break through the Bracknell defensive line and score under the posts. Conversion was kicked.

Full time: Hornets 22 Bracknell 17 (Points: Hornets 4 Bracknell 1)

The result left the Bracknell players bitterly disappointed feeling that they deserved more than the one point losing bonus point.

Congrats to the Academy lads who played for Berkshire vs Dorset & Wiltshire in the U18 South West England trails Saturday morning at nearby Bristol. Some of whom even managed to make it to Weston to watch the game! Finally big thank you to Hornets for being great hosts (apart from the score that is!).

Next Saturday Bracknell host Ivybridge for the first league meeting between the two sides. KO 2.15pm. There is also a Vice President lunch, 4 course lunch with wine included. It is free for Vice Presidents and £20 for their guests and non VP’s. Booking for lunch is essential, so if you have not booked please contact Steve Ward.

Bracknell: 1. Jonny Mirza 2. Michael Clarke 3. Gareth Staples 4. Leo Bailey 5. Lachlan Valentine 6. Dom Rice 7. Josh Webb 8. James Ingle 9. Jack Conway 10. Lewis Dennett 11. Stu Mackay 12. Chris Brember (c) 13. Ben Sanderson 14. Ian Burch 15. Ben Yates Reps: 16. Jasper Mirander 17. Ally Walton 18. Andy Slade