The 1XV returned to action following a week’s break, as they played host to Camborne, looking to return to winning ways after four straight defeats which had seen the team drop to second from bottom in the league. Previous games between Camborne and Bracknell have always gone with a home side win (must be the 520 mile round trip) but have had a tradition of being close affairs. So far this season Camborne had only lost to the top three sides in the league, Bournemouth, Ivybridge and Barnstaple.

Director of Rugby, Jamie Turner said in his match day programme notes so far this season “we seem to be making a habit of coming out on the wrong side of some very close games, league rugby is by nature unforgiving and we are working hard to make sure we reverse this trend as soon as possible, ideally this afternoon.”

Prior to kick off Bracknell welcomed over 30 former players of the club to enjoy a former players pre-match lunch and who no doubt lent helpful rugby suggestions to anyone that would listen over the course of the afternoon!

Camborne kicked off attacking the clubhouse and enjoyed the opening encounters. However it would be Bracknell that would open the scoring after five minutes, Cam McDonald doting down after recovering the ball from a long down field kick. Conversion from Vic Hardwick was good.

Bracknell’s lead would only last five minutes, from a catch and drive off a line Camborne equalised the score. Camborne took the lead on the twenty minute mark number eight Jordan Rose scoring in the Bracknell corner. Conversion from Dickie Mankee was good.

The Bracknell pressure was rewarded with a second try from Gabe Hills coming off a well floated pass to find space out wide. Conversion from Vic Hardwick was good

In the final moments of the half Bracknell were awarded a penalty in front of the Camborne posts, Vic Hardwicke slotting to give Bracknell the half time lead.

Half time: Bracknell 17 Camborne 14

Bracknell extended their lead straight after half time with a Vic Hardwicke penalty.

A break into the heart of the Camborne 22 by Sam Gibbons and some quick recycling of the ball saw Michael Clarke bullock his way over the Camborne try line, with twenty minutes of the half gone.

Moments later as Bracknell pressed a late high tackle on Vic Hardwicke drew retaliation from the Bracknell players. Referee Will Gilder showing a red card to Bracknell’s Rhys Vearly and a yellow card to Camborne’s Flanker Ash Riches.

With both sides reduced in numbers, Bracknell further extended their lead with a Vic Hardwicke penalty.

With ten minutes remaining a darting break by Lewis Franklin set up Connor Segre for a try. Conversion from Vic Hardwicke was good to give Bracknell a twenty one point lead.

With a second yellow card for Camborne another Vic Hardwick penalty completed the Bracknell scoring.

A late converted Camborne try in the final moments could not prevent a Bracknell victory.

Full time: Bracknell 38 Camborne 21 (Points: Bracknell 5 Camborne 0)

Director of Rugby, Jamie Turner said after the match "Pleased with the win it was nice to get on the right side of what was a close game for a long time".

The result sees Bracknell jump to eleventh in the league and out of the three relgation spots. Next week the 1XV face a tough trip to tenth placed Cleve. Last season a late penalty secured a two point victory for Bracknell. Please come down and support the team if you can. The next home 1XV game is 3rd November vs. Drybrook (KO 2.15pm).

It is with sadness that today was Ben Sandersons last home game for Bracknell. Ben is relocating to Canada. All at BRFC wish Ben safe travels.

Elsewhere the Stags drew 31-31 with Chinnor in the BBO1 while the 3XV lost 46-7 in their BBO2 fixture.

Don’t forget the Academy U18 Colts are in action this afternoon vs Sutton & Epsom colts in the first round of the National Colts Cup (KO 2pm). Please come down and support the lads.

Tickets for the Firework Evening on Sunday 4th November are now available online from the on-line club shop. To get your tickets click on the following link https://www.bracknellrugbyclubshop.com/product-category/tickets/events/

Photos courtesy of Jayne Whitelegg & Jayne Middleton

Bracknell: 1 Elliott Bellman 2 Michael Clarke (c) 3 Ken Dowding 4 Leo Bailey 5 Rhys Vearley 6 Callum Lee 7 Ben Sanderson 8 Sam Gibbons 9 Lewis Fanklin 10 Vic Hardwicke 11 Conor Segre 12 Peceli Nacamavutu 13 Ian Burch 14 Cam MacDonald 15 Gabe Hills Replacements Nick Ovens, Bradley Walters, Giuseppe Salustri

#GoBRFC