The game at Lily Hill between the two sides last September was a close affair, Bournemouth edging out Bracknell 3-13. Away journeys have proved more difficult for Bracknell so far this season. If Bracknell, still seeking their first away win, were going to record an away win then it was not going to be easy at table topping Bournemouth RFC, who had still lose at home and had only lost one away game this season. In doing so they had amassed a point’s difference of +571, the highest in the country for any level 5 side.

Bracknell kicked off the game playing with the wind for the first half. The opening twenty minutes reflected the form book, tries from number 8 Jack Rees and scrum half Jack Hennings giving Bournemouth a 14 point lead. Bracknell’s task was not aided when Rhys Verley was sent to the sin bin early on.

Bracknell inspired by the noisy travelling supporters, finally found a toe hold in the Bournemouth half to launch a series of attacks on the Bournemouth try line. With Bournemouth loose head prop Michael Davies in the sin bin, Ian Burch was able to find space out wide, quick recycled ball allowed Vic Hardwicke to dance through the Bournemouth tackles to score.

Half time: Bournemouth 14 Bracknell 7

Bracknell’s hope of upsetting the form book were dashed in the opening play of the second half, a try from centre Tom Napier giving Bournemouth a fourteen point lead. Only moments later Bournemouth looked to scored their bonus point when centre Dan Hancock crossed the Bracknell try line only to be denied by putting a foot on the dead ball line.

10 minutes into the second half Bournemouth did secure their bonus point with a try from winger Dan Stewart.

With twenty minutes remaining a Bournemouth try from flanker Ali Bennett quickly followed by another from replacement Sam Hardcastle put the result beyond any doubt.

Bracknell battled bravely, a series of breaks deep into the Bournemouth half went unrewarded. Bracknell were subsequently rewarded with their second try of the afternoon when a lovely floated pass from Bradley Waters found Ian Burch out on the wing, allowing him to canter untouched over the Bournemouth white wash.

There was still enough time in the game for each side to score again. Full back Karim Lynch scoring for Bournemouth before Simon Bayliss scored the final try of the game for a Bracknell win. Last try wins, correct?

Full time: Bournemouth 47 Bracknell 17 (Points: Bournemouth 5 Bracknell 0)

Bracknell remain in tenth spot in South West Premier. However the league places tenth to thirteen have become more compressed, as a result of Newton Abbots win, only two points separating the four teams.

Congrats to both the 3XV and 4XV who both recorded wins in their BBO league games, amassing 115 points in the process.

The 1XV are back in action next Saturday (19th January) when they host Weston super Mare for the first of two consecutive home games. A week later on 26th January they host Brixham. Both KO’s are 2.15pm and pre match lunches are available for both games. To book lunch or for more details please email: events@bracknellrugbyclub.com

Photos courtesy Jayne Whitelegg

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1, Elliott Bellman 2, Michael Clarke (c) 3, George Cotterell 4, Ash Stevenson-Leigh 5, Rhys Verley 6, 7, Sam Gibbons 8, Giuseppe Salustri 9, Lewis Franklin 10, Vic Hardwicke 11, Ian Burch 12, Jason Henry 13, Peceli Nacamavutu 14, Simon Bayliss 15, Cam MacDonald Replacements: Nick Ovens, Bradley Waters, Connor Sergre