A number of injuries and illness meant that Head of Rugby Daniel Ap Dafydd was forced to re-shuffle his pack from that that defeated Cleve the week before. Ashleigh Stevenson Leigh and Tom Scott coming in to face league leaders Dings Crusaders at Lily Hill Park. Michael Clarke retained the captainship in the absence of James Ingle.

On a wet afternoon an early Ben Bolster penalty gave Dings the lead just after five minutes.

Bracknell enjoyed a period in the Dings half but were unable to make the pressure count and it was Dings that extend their lead with an unconverted try from loose head prop Ashley Challenger, just on the half hour mark.

A further Ben Bolster penalty extended the Dings lead before regaining the ball in their own half Dings broke down the pitch, with some quick recycles the ball found it way to Ashley Challenger to touch down for his second try of the day. Conversion by Ben Bolster was good.

Half time: Bracknell 0 Dings Crusaders 18

Bracknell started the second half camped in their own half. Following a series of penalties conceded by Bracknell the recently introduced Chris Laidler saw yellow. Dings took full advantage of their numerical superiority, finding space out wide winger Matt Tovet scored Dings third try of the game. Conversion was missed. 0-23

With the result of the game appearing to be in no doubt, Bracknell’s woes continued as Gabe Hills had to leave the field with injury to be replaced by Juite Tupua. His impact would be almost immediate, breaking through the Dings defence he was able to feed Cameron McDonald for Bracknell’s first try of the afternoon, with 22 minutes of the second half gone.

Further Bracknell pressure in the Dings half allowed Simon Bayliss to be on end of a deft pass to cross the Dings try line and smartly run the ball under the Dings posts. The conversion cut the Dings lead to 11 points.

Bracknell now finishing stronger still had time to score another try and claim an important losing bonus point. Juite Tupua and Cameron McDonald linking up again to find a way through the Dings defence, a high tackle on Cameron McDonald was deemed by referee Richard Waller to warrant a penalty try.

With the clock running down nether side were able to score again.

Full time: Bracknell 19 Dings Crusaders 23 (Points: Bracknell 1 Dings Crusaders 4)

The result leaves Dings still top of the league. The losing bonus point for Bracknell means they remain in seventh place on 44 points ahead of Weston super Mare, Camborne and Ivybridge (who all picked up points) all on 43 points.

Bracknell have a week off for the Six Nations games before they head to Exmouth on the 17th February. Their next home game is 3rd March when they host Lydney (KO 2.15pm).

Next Saturday you can watch the days Six Nations (Ireland vs. Italy and England vs. Wales) and enjoy a steak dinner for only £14.50 at the clubhouse. 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.

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (c) 3. Jonny Mirza 4. Leo Bailey 5. Ashleigh Stevenson Leigh 6. Liam Goodison 7. Tom Scott 8. Guiseppe Salustri 9. Ross McDougall 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Simon Bayliss 12. Peceli Nacamavutu 13. Ian Burch 14. Cam McDonald 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Nick Ovens 17. Jiute Tupua 18. Chris Laidler