Bracknell travelled to Cleve RFC knowing they would face a tough afternoon as Cleve RFC were yet to lose a game at home this season (a series of home wins that includes a victory over league leaders Dings Crusaders). With James Ingle out with injury, Michael Clark stepped in as captain. Cam MacDonald replaced Jiute Tupua on the wing.

On a very damp day where the floodlights were on from the start, Bracknell received the kick off playing into the stiff wind.

If Bracknell’s task was hard, it got harder as almost from their first attacking drive Cleve opened the scoring. Number 8 Mike Uren driving over under the Bracknell posts. Fly half Nathan Huntley converting.

The early Cleve score did not appear to upset Bracknell. Going through their phases they started to dominate possession if not territory. This was rewarded on the eighteen minute mark as a move from a scrum was expertly executed in the backs allowing Gabe Hills to find space and score under the Cleve posts. Conversion by Vic Hardwicke was good.

Cleve had a chance to retake the lead but the penalty attempt by Nathan Huntley hit the upright and for Bracknell went safely over the dead ball line.

Bracknell took the lead with a Vic Hardwicke penalty.7-10

Just before the half hour mark from a driving maul in the Bracknell 22 Cleve retook the lead with a try from back rower Neil Evans. Conversion from Nathan Huntley was good.

There was still enough time left in the half for Bracknell to score their second try. With a series of smart pop passes between both forwards and backs the ball found its way to winger Simon Bayliss for him to cross the Cleve white wash. Vic Hardwicke converted.

Half time: Cleve 14 Bracknell 17

Bracknell playing with the wind started the half and enjoyed a period camped in the Cleve half. This pressure resulted in hooker Tom Gollop being yellow carded for a high tackle.

Bracknell were unable to turn this pressure in a further try and had to be content with a Vic Hardwicke penalty to extend their lead.

Still reduced in numbers a good break by Cleve scrum half Tommy Price saw the ball off loaded to Nathan Huntley to score under the Bracknell posts and convert his own try.21-20

With the game being played mostly in the Cleve half, the stout Cleve defence meant that Bracknell could not find the game winning play until with ten minutes to go Bracknell were awarded a penalty. Chris Laidleri now on for Vic Hardwicke, slotting the kick from just on the 10 meter line to give Bracknell a well deserved victory. Credit to both sides for producing a enthralling game in damp conditions.

Full time: Cleve 21 Bracknell 23 (Points: Cleve 1 Bracknell 4)

A delighted Martin Radford Chairman of Rugby said after the game “I was worried when we failed to score more points during the yellow card but a great team effort and win - heads still banging!”

The result means that Bracknell remain unbeaten for five games and jump to seventh place in the league on 43 points – although eighth placed Ivybridge do have a game in hand on Bracknell. Dings Crusaders win over Bournemouth means they have a fifteen point lead at the top of the league.

Next Saturday Bracknell face a tough test if they wish to extend their unbeaten record as they host league leaders Dings Crusaders at Lily Hill (KO 2.15pm). There is a pre match lunch so contact Sue Field (Clubhouse Manager) to book also don’t forget to get your Sportsman Dinner tickets booked CLICK HERE for all the details and info.

Well done to the Stags and 3XV who both recorded wins over Newbury and Bicester and both still remain top of their BBO leagues.

Bracknell : 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (c) 3. Ken Dowding 4. Leo Bailey 5. Liam Goodison 6. Guiseppe Salustri 7. Ben Sanderson 8. Chris Halaufia 9. Ross McDougall 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Simon Bayliss 12. Peceli Nacamavutu 13. Ian Burch 14. Cam MacDonald 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Jonny Mirza 17. Kim Plant 18. Chris Laidler