1XV edge out Newbury

Lead out by a guard of honour provided by the under 9 mini’s, Bracknell started the first half playing towards the clubhouse, in front of a good crowd that had gathered for this first Berkshire derby of the season.

Early Newbury pressure saw the Blues take a 3-0 lead from the boot of fly half Rich West.

Bracknell responded with a Simon Bayliss try on the quarter of an hour mark, after he side stepped his opposite number to dot down under the Newbury posts.

Bracknell’s lead would only last five minutes as full back Toby Thorne broke the Bracknell defence for a try, to give Newbury the lead. 7-10. This did not last long as further Bracknell pressure saw a Vic Hardwicke penalty draw the scores level.

With Bracknell pressing in the Newbury half, a loose pass allowed centre Josh Lowe to intercept and run almost the length of the pitch to give Newbury the lead at half time.

Half time: Bracknell 10 Newbury 15

After the break Chris Laidlaw replaced Vic Hardwicke and it was long before he made his mark on the game, kicking a penalty to reduce Bracknell's deficit.

With both sides unable to break down the defence of the other, a further Chris Laidlaw penalty re-gave Bracknell the lead after the Blues were caught offside at a scrum.

No further scores took place and Bracknell took the spoils in this very close game.

Full time: Bracknell 16 Newbury 15 (Points: Bracknell 4 Newbury 1)

Next Saturday Bracknell are at home again as they host Weston-super-Mare (KO 3pm). There is a pre match lunch available, to book contact Sue Field (Clubhouse Manager).

Finally well done to the Stags and thirds who also recorded wins.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (c) 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Ash Stevenson-leigh 6. Tom Field 7. Tom Scott 8. Chris Halaufia 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Simon Bayliss 12. Peceli Nacamavutu 13. Ian Burch 14. Ben Sanderson 15. Gabe Hills Replacments: 16. Bradley Walters 17. Jonno Pillar 18. Chris Laidler