Bracknell at home for the second week on the trot were looking to build on the win against Newbury the week before. Weston were seeking their first win of the season, having been promoted the previous season.

On a sunny day, Bracknell started playing away from the clubhouse. Within 3 minutes Bracknell had been reduced in numbers as Chris Hala’ufia was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

With a man down Bracknell were unable to prevent Weston’s first try of the day, some smart hands in the Weston backs allowed left wing Chris Young to finish a move under the Bracknell posts. Try was converted by fly half James Mackay.

With 25 minutes on the clock ex-Bracknell player Jack Conway replaced the injured Marcu Nel. A further penalty from the boot of James Mackay, extended Weston’s lead.

Just before the break from a mix up at the base of the scrum lead to referee Henry Lewis awarding Weston a penalty for crossing. The reliable James Mackay converted, to compound a terrible half for Bracknell.

Half time: Bracknell 0 Weston super Mare 13

Now attacking the clubhouse, Bracknell opened their scoring for the game with a penalty from Chris Laidler.

An inspired break by Gabe Hills, saw him break a number of tackles to score in the corner, to start the unlikely Bracknell come back. Conversion was missed. 8-13.

Following a series of rucks in the Weston 22, Ben Saunderson was able to cross the Weston try line for a converted try, and give Bracknell the lead for the first time in the game, with less than 6 minutes gone in the second half. A further Chris Laidler penalty for a high tackle extended the Bracknell lead. 18-13.

It was Weston’s turn to have a player sent to the sin bin, prop and Weston captain Sam Coles seeing yellow, following a series of penalties conceded by Weston.

Taking advantage of their numerical advantage, some smart hands in the Bracknell backs saw Lewis Franklin go over for his first 1XV try. Chris Laider unable to convert. Bracknell had extended their lead to ten points, but if they thought they were 'home and hosed' then they would need to have a re-think.

Back to full numbers Weston pressed and their efforts were rewarded with a try in the Bracknell corner which was excellently converted by James Mackay. Bracknell’s lead was cut to three points with still ten minutes to play.

With Bracknell struggling to get out of their own 22 the Weston pressure told, as a James Mackay penalty drew the scores level.

Final score: Bracknell 23 Weston super Mare 23 (Points: Bracknell 2 Weston super Mare 2).

The result left both sides wondering ‘what if’ and it was difficult to say who would have been the happier dressing room at full time.

Next Saturday the team have a 520 miles round trip as they travel to Camborne before they host Cleve on 7th October.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke 3. Nick Ovens 4. Leo Bailey 5. Ashleigh Stevenson Leigh 6. James Ingle (c) 7. Tom Scott 8. Chris Hala’ufia 9. Ross MacDougall 10. Chris Laidler 11. Ben Sanderson 12. Andy Slade 13. Peceli Nacamavutu 14. Ian Burch 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Jasper Mirander 17. Jono Pillar 18. Lewis Franklin