With only three matches remaining in the season, an end of term feeling descended over Lily Hill Park as Bracknell looked to get back to winning ways following defeat at Camborne the week before.
James Ingle continued to deputise as captain in Chris Brember absence. Tom Field coming from Bracknell’s academy was starting at 6 while Harry Callellenor stepped up from the bench replacing the injured Nick Ovens.
Warmly supported by the honour guard from U6 and U7 mini age groups Bracknell kicked off playing towards the clubhouse. It was Bromsgrove that would open the scoring with an early penalty.
Bracknell encamped in the Bromsgrove 22 responded with an Ian Burch try to take a lead they would not surrender. Conversion was missed.
With light rain failing, more sustained Bracknell pressure resulted in another Ian Burch try, cutting a great line through the Bromsgrove defence. Chris Laidler's conversion was good to extend the Bracknell lead further.
A Chris Laidler penalty took the score to 15-3. Just before the half time break Bromsgrove had centre Sam Bastock sent to the sin bin.
Half time: Bracknell 15 Bromsgrove 3.
With Bromsgrove reduced in numbers a mix up in midfield saw Ben Saunderson break to score. Conversion by Chris Laidler was good. 22-3.
With 30 minutes gone Bracknell secured their bonus point try and Ian Burch’s hat trick try, following a mazey run by him through the Bromsgrove defence. Chris Laidler converted.
With two Bracknell players in the sin bin Bromsgrove number 8 Tom Hardwick was able to break off the base of a scrum to reach over and dot down. Bromsgrove were able to close the deficit with a further try from Sam Bastock.
Final score: Bracknell 29 Bromsgrove 15 (Points: Bracknell 5 Bromsgrove 0)
The win sees Bracknell go up one place in the league to fifth. After the game the U6, U7 and 1XV players enjoyed an impromptu game of touch rugby, the U6 and U7 minis giving the 1XV players a good game - I am sure the performance will be reviewed at todays Final Ambassadors Day at the club.
Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd commented on the game “I thought we looked tired today but happy to get back to winning ways with a bonus point win. Already looking forward to next season with this group of players.”
Next Saturday Bracknell are away at Newton Abbot, before the final game of the season at home to league champions Old Reds on the 22nd April. (KO 3pm).
Bracknell: 1.Jonny Mirza 2. Jasper Miranda 3. Harry Challenor 4. Leo Bailey 5. Kim Plant 6. Tom Field 7. Dom Rice 8. James Ingle (c) 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Chris Laidler 11. Simon Bayliss 12. Ben Sanderson 13. Ian Burch 14. Ben Yates 15. Andy Slade Replacements: 16. Matt Lamin 17. Simon Haddad 18. Will Hopkins
GO BRFC!!