Due to weather conditions Bracknell had not played a game for a month during this time they had slipped down the league against other rivals, it was vital that they picked up valuable home league points. The weather was doing its best to hamper the game going ahead by depositing a cover of snow over Lily Hill. Bracknell’s task was not aided by Leo Bailey having to drop out the team due to an injury picked up in training - he being replaced by Ash Stevenson-Leigh in the starting line-up. Making his 1XV debut was winger Chris Wilson.

The day started on a sober note with a minute’s silent for Guy Eliott who sadly passed last week.

Bracknell started the game playing away from the clubhouse into the stiff wind on a pitch that could be described heavy to soft, firm in places.

It would be Lydney that would open the scoring with almost their first venture into the Bracknell half, second row Dave Bennett nipping over the Bracknell try line from close quarters.

It would take Bracknell 20 minutes to get back to parity, the ball finding its way thru Ian Burch to Chris Wilson who chipping the ball ahead was able to chase up his kick and to outpace the Lydney defence to dot down.

Bracknell took the lead 10 minutes before the half time break Chris Hala'ufia crashing over off the base of a 5 meter scrum following sustained Bracknell pressure. Chris Laidler converted.

There was still enough time left in the half for Lydney fly half Steve Parry to be sent to the sin bin on the half time break.

Half time: Bracknell 12 Lydney

Now attacking towards the clubhouse it would be Bracknell that would open the scoring in the second half. The ball coming from a ruck was quickly worked out wide to Chris Wilson for him to find space to score his second try of the day. Chris Laidler converted.

Lydney responded with some pressure of their own on the Bracknell try line and they were rewarded with a penalty try, referee Brad Bignall spotting a Bracknell deliberate knock on preventing a Lydney score.

With even more snow failing, some smart handling allowed Bracknell captain Michael Clarke to put Chris Wilson into space for him to score his hat trick try (and Bracknell’s bonus point try).

Chasing a kick into the Lydney 22 Jiute Tupua was able to charge down the attempted clearance kick, gather the loose ball for a try of his own (and become the only Bracknell scorer of the day not called Chris!).

In the final moments Chris Hala'ufia was able to score Bracknell’s final try (and his second) of the afternoon, crashing over the Lydney try line for an almost carbon copy of his first try. Chris Laidler converted.

Full time: Bracknell 38 Lydney 0 (Points: Bracknell 5 Lydney 0)

Head of rugby Daniel ap Dafydd said after the game “With a long layoff I am delighted with the 5 point win in what were very challenging conditions”

Next Saturday Bracknell play host to Hornets (KO 2.15pm) for a Super Saturday that also sees the Stags and 3XV at home. Prior to kick offs there is a pre-match lunch (from 12pm) to book lunch email: events@bracknellrugbyclub.com

Bracknell: 1. Jonny Mirza 2. Michael Clarke (C) 3. Ken Dowding 4. Ash Stevenson-Leigh 5. Liam Goodison 6. Giuseppe Salustri 7. Ben Sanderson 8. Chris Hala'ufia 9. Ross MacDougall 10. Chris Laidler 11. Jiute Tupua 12. Peceli Nacamavuto 13. Ian Burch 14. Chris Wilson 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Nick Ovens 17.Simon Hadad 18. Vic Hardwicke