Bracknell and Bournemouth have long been rivals in league rugby dating back to the days when they both played lower down the old league structure in the Dorset/Berkshire/Wiltshire leagues. It was perhaps fitting that Bracknell unveiled their new team kit at the Bournemouth game, based on the old traditional Bracknell shirt.

Starting his first 1XV league game was Vic Hardwicke, who would not remember those Dorset/Berkshire/Wiltshire games, not yet being old enough to vote. Second row Ash Stevenson- Leigh also making his league debut in a side that had been stripped back to the bare bones as a result of a series of injuries.

Bracknell could not make their opening pressure tell and it was Bournemouth that opened the scoring with a penalty from full back Grant Hancox. With a Bracknell player in the sin bin, Bournemouth extended their lead with a converted try from winger Dan Stewart, resulting from a break in midfield.

Following a cloud bust that sent the supports of both sides running for cover, Bracknell opened their account with a Vic Hardwicke penalty. 10-3

Just before the break, a Pete Roberts try extended Bournemouth’s lead, after a run from second row Jack Hennings broke the Bracknell defence. Try converted by Grant Hancox.

Half time: Bournemouth 17 Bracknell 3

With the words of Head of Rugby, Daniel Ap Dafydd ringing in their ears and the sun making a welcome appearance, Bracknell started the half the livelier of the two sides. This was rewarded with a try from Harry Chalenor, nipping over from close quarters, linking up with standout captain Michael Clarke following a break from Vic Hardwicke, who converted.

The Bracknell pressure continued and they were able to draw level with a converted Nick Ovens try in the left hand corner, with fifteen minutes left on the clock.

With their almost their first venture into Bracknell territory of the second half, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty, Grant Hancox was wayward with his attempt. With Bracknell unable to clear their line, a further Bournemouth penalty, this time allowed Grant Hancox to give Bournemouth a three point lead, with a minute remaining.

Bracknell responded claiming the ball from the kick off and driving up the field, to be rewarded with a penalty to draw the game. Unfortunately for Bracknell , Vic Hardwicke’s attempt going just wide.

Full time: Bournemouth 23 Bracknell 20

Daniel Ap Dafydd said after the game “Really proud of the team, we recovered well in the second half and I thought we were a lot better”.

Elsewhere in the league the movers and shakers are Exmouth, Dings and Newton Abbot who all have picked up maximum points from their two games.

Next Saturday Bracknell face unbeaten Newbury Blues at home in the first Berkshire derby of the season. Again they are at home, a week later, on 23rd September when they host Weston-super-Mare. (Both KOs 3pm)

Finally well done to the Stags and the thirds who both recorded wins and commiserations to the fours who lost away at Reading Rhinos.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Chalenor 2. Michael Clarke (c) 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Ashleigh Stevenson Leigh 6. Tom Field 7. Tom Scott 8. Chris Halaufia 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Ross MacDougall 12. Ben Sanderson 13. Ian Burch 14. Patrick Fitzgerald 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Jasper Miranda 17. James Ingle 18. Chris Laidler.