Bracknell were back on their travels, this time to North Devon as they visited Barnstaple’s Pottington Road ground for the first time since the 2014/15 season. As a result of having won the play-off game in the 2015/16 season Barnstaple have been plying their trade in National 2 (South) up until last season. During the same period Bracknell spent season in London & SE Premier before returning to South West Premier.

Bracknell had to make a number of changes from the team that faced Old Patesians last Saturday. Peceli Nacamavutu making his first 1XV start of the season came in at centre, Ian Burch reverting to wing, while Tom Field and Ben Sanderson joined the re-arranged back row, Leo Bailey moving up to the second row.

Bracknell started the livelier of the the two sides, however this did not last long as a try from back row forward Winston James gave Barnstaple the lead after five minutes.

The increasing Barnstaple pressure told, and Barnstaple added a further three tries from centers Ryan Carter, Jake Murphy and another from back row forward Winston James to lead at the break.

Half time: Barnstaple 24 Bracknell 0

The dominance that Barnstaple showed in the first half continued in the second half and Barnstple where able to add further three try's to their half time lead. Barnstaple's final try scored by Winston James to secure his hat trick.

In the final moments, Bracknell scored a late consolation try from Nick Ovens to give the traveling fans something to cheer.

Full time: Barnstaple 45 Bracknell 5 (Points: Barnstaple 5 Bracknell 0)

The result sees Bracknell drop to ninth in league. Their task to get back to winning ways does not get any easier as current league leaders Bournemouth visit Lily Hill next Saturday (KO 3pm). That day there is a pre-match lunch in aid of the Bracknell Injured Players Trust. Tickets are £20 per head so do please come along and support the Trust. For bookings please email: events@bracknellrugbyclub.com.

Congrats to both the Stags and 3XV who both recorded wins yesterday and commiserations to the 4XV who narrowly lost to Windsor. Credit to all those who played yesterday as Bracknell fielded fours sides.

Bracknell: 1. Elliott Bellman 2. Michael Clarke 3. Ken Dowding 4. Leo Bailey 5. Ash Stevenson-Leigh 6. Tom Field 7. Ben Sanderson 8. Giuseppe Salustri 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Cam McDonald 12. Jason Henry 13. Peceli Nacamavutu 14. Ian Burch 15. Conor Segre Replacements: 16. Nick Ovens 17. Kim Plant 18. Chris Laidler

Photo courtesy of Simon Stockley