Unrewarding away day for 1XV

Another trip down the M4 / M5 corridor to the South West Rivera, for their third meeting with a South Devon side in the last three games, this time Bracknell's opponents were Ivybridge. Bracknell do not have a great record against Ivybridge having only recorded one win in all four outings. Ivybridge have enjoyed a good start to the season so far and were third spot prior to kick off. A recent ‘blip in form’ has seen Ivybridge lose their last two games, narrowly to second placed Barnstaple at home and away to run away leaders Bournemouth in their last game.

Playing on the newly laid 4G pitch, and with both teams in green, Ivybridge kicked off. The early Ivybridge pressure resulted in a try for back row George Wilson in the corner. Conversion from winger Billy Pinkus, remember this name… 7 nil to Ivybridge.

Thirteen minutes gone, a quick tap penalty close to the Bracknell's line saw prop Jon Morgan dot down. Conversion from Billy Pinkus was good to give Ivybridge a 14 – 0, lead. A few minutes later Ivybridge added to their score. From an Ivybridge line out some swift hands across the pitch allowed Billy Pinkus to score in the corner. This time he missed his own conversion, 19 – 0, with barely quarter of an hour gone.

Playing on the damp 4G pitch there were a number of slips from the players however the running of forwards on the pitch had a thoroughbred at Ascot sound!!!

Ivybridge secured their bonus point try from a rolling maul off an attacking line, driving all the way to the try line. Hooker Jay Geraty getting the touch down. Conversion was missed. 24 – 0.

Bracknell finally got going. From open play Bracknell charged down an Ivybridge kick on the halfway line, Ian Burch gathering the ball broke free, some quick hands found Cam McDonald to score. Conversion by Vic Hardwicke was good, 24 – 7.

All Bracknell s hard work was undone, as from the restart, Ivybridge secured the ball, fed Billy Pinkus to him to run in his second try. Conversion was missed, 29 – 7.

With five minutes in the half left in the half a Bracknell break in the gloom saw Sam Gibbons run in to score. Conversion from Vic Hardwicke was good. 29 -14. There was still enough time in the half for Bracknell to score again. With Bracknell now on the charge and camped in the Ivybridge 22, a penalty under the posts for Bracknell was taken quickly for Elliott Bellman to cross the Ivybridge white wash. Conversion by Vic Hardwicke

Half time: Ivybridge 29 Bracknell 21

The second half opened with the Ivybridge supporters serenading the Bracknell physio to the tune of "she’ll be coming round the mountain" (it must be close to Christmas)...

With 50 points in the first half, the crowd mush have expected a high scoring second half. While there was plenty of free flowing rugby and much to be admired about Bracknell attacking approach, the half only produced two penalties, unfortunately both awarded to Ivybridge and converted by Billy Pinkus.

Final Score: Ivybridge 35 Bracknell 21 (Ivybridge 5 points, Bracknell 0)

The result sees Ivybridge jump to second in the league, while Bracknell remain in tenth spot. Elsewhere in the league two of the remaining 100% records fell, Old Pats recording a win over WSM and Bournemouth's unbeaten record failing to next weeks opponents Maidenhead.

Next Saturday the 1XV return to Lily Hill for the final home game of the year against Berkshire neighbours, Maidenhead (KO 2.15pm). The Christmas pre-match lunch is sold out but please come down and support the team. After the game there is karaoke so there will be plenty to sing out regardless of the result

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1 Elliott Bellman 2 Michael Clarke (c) 3 Ken Dowding 4 Leo Bailey 5 Rhys Verley 6 Sam Gibbons 7 Thomas Spencer-Jones 8 Giuseppe Salustri 9 Jake Findlay 10 Vic Hardwicke 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Ian Burch 13 Cam McDonald 14 Conor Segre 15 Gabe Hills Replacements: George Cotterell, Ash Stevenson-Leigh, Lewis Franklin