Bracknell have not won an opening game of the season since the 2013/14 season when they defeated Old Reds 27-10 at Lily Hill Park. Making their first team debut, in a side hoping to break this recent poor run of opening day results, were Patrick Fitzgerald and Chris Hala’ufia.

On a glorious day Bracknell failed to take advantage of their livelier start, a Chris Laidler penalty striking the upright before a penalty from full back Rob Avery-Wright gave Newton Abbot the lead.

With Newton Abbot enjoying all the possession and territory, some smart hands allowed winger Max Snowdon to dot down after 15mins. 0-8.

Newton Abbot, now, cutting some fine slick moves through the Bracknell defence, back row forward Josh Vickridge was able to score under
the Bracknell posts.

Bracknell’s woes continued on the 20 minute mark when centre Matt Jess crossed the Bracknell white-wash, further Abbot trys from centre Kevin Jess and another try from Matt Jess secured Newton Abbots bonus point before the half time break.

The final play of the half saw a storming run from Chris Hala’ufia open Bracknell’s account.

Half time: Bracknell 5 Newton Abbot 36.

After the break a converted Nick Ovens try could not prevent from Netwon Abbot from amassing a further 31 second half points to maintain Bracknell’s recent poor run of opening day results and let Newton Abbot record their first win at Lily Hill Park.

Full Time: Bracknell 12 Newton Abbot 67

After the game Chairman of Rugby Martin Radford commented “ We missed too many tackles and gave the ball up too easily to many times today against one of the better teams I have seen in this league for a few seasons. “

Bracknell now to need to re-group swiftly as next Saturday they travel to Bournemouth before a Berkshire derby vs Newbury Blues a week later.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Tom Scott 6. James Ingle (Captain) 7. Simon Haddad 8. Chris Hala'ufia 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Chris Laidler 11. Stu Mackay 12. Ben Sanderson 13. Ian Burch 14. Patrick Fitzgerald 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Jasper Miranda 17. Kim Plant 18. Vic Hardwicke