The last few meetings between WSM and Bracknell have been keenly contested games. Last season the teams battled out a 23 all draw at Lily Hill. In the away game this season WSM defeated Bracknell in a tight game 24-19, despite Bracknell leading 12-19 at half time. Bracknell needed to be on their guard as WSM’s other trip to Berkshire this season ended successfully for them as they defeated Maidenhead 14-24 in October; one of their two away wins this season. Prior to the game WSM sat in ninth place in the league one place above Bracknell but enjoying a nine point league lead over Bracknell, therefore a win was important for Bracknell to close the gap.

As with the most of the season so far Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd was forced into making changes from the team that faced Bournemouth last Saturday. Back rower Paul Studd on the bench for his first senior start, in a team containing eight ex and current academy players, that also had a number of players playing out of their normal position.

WSM kicked off playing towards the clubhouse. It was WSM that started the better of the teams, two penalties from fly half James Mackay giving them an early six point lead.

Bracknell closed the gap with a Vic Hardwicke penalty on the half hour mark. Further Bracknell pressure on the WSM try line saw prop Charlie Brabbham sent to the sin bin. Almost immediately hooker Mike Hocking joined his team mate on the side line. With WSM reduced to 12 men and with no front row, scrums went to uncontested. With the clock into injury time the numerous Bracknell attacks were finally rewarded with a Vic Hardwicke try.

Half time: Bracknell 8 WSM 6

With WSM still reduced in numbers Bracknell pressed. Playing a penalty advantage a smart cross kick from Vic Hardwicke found Ian Burch in the WSM try area for Bracknell’s second try of the afternoon. Vic Hardwicke’s conversion was good.

Returning a deep kick Simon Bayliss broke into WSM territory to off load to Gabe Hills, breaking a number of tackles he was able to score under the WSM posts with 7 minutes of the half gone. Vic Hardwicke converted.

WSM were again reduced in numbers on the half hour mark when full back Robbie Mackay was sent to the sin bin. Bracknell searched for their bonus point try but were unable to take advantage of the superior numbers as number of promising attacks went unrewarded.

With four minutes remaining centre Marcus Nel scored a consolation try for WSM. James Mackay converting.

Full time: Bracknell 22 WSM 13 (Points: Bracknell 4 WSM 0)

The win sees Bracknell drop to 11th in the league as a result of Cleve's bonus point win over Old Pats. They remain one point above 12th placed Drybrook who also won against 13th placed Newton Abbot. WSM remain in 9th place in the league however the gap is reduced to four points over Cleve.

Well done to the Stags who recorded a good league win in preparation for their first versus second league game next Saturday at Lily Hill.

The 1XV are back in action next Saturday 26th January when they host Brixham at Lily Hill. KO is 2.15pm. Also at home next week are the Stags and 3XV plus its Ladies pre match lunch. To book lunch or for more details please email: events@bracknellrugbyclub.com

Those who purchased raffle tickets please check your tickets as we have an unclaimed raffle prize from yesterday. If you have the white tickets 46-50 you have won first prize - a meal for four at The Royal Foresters. To claim email: commercial@bracknellrugbyclub.com

#GoBRFC

Man of the Match: Ian Burch

Bracknell: 1, Elliott Bellman 2, Bradley Walters 3, Nick Ovens 4, George Cotterell 5, Rhys Verley 6,Jamie Johnson 7, Giuseppe Salustri Sam Gibbons 8, Michael Clarke (c) 9, Lewis Franklin 10, Vic Hardwicke 11,Cam MacDonald 12, Peceli Nacamavutu 13, Ian Burch 14, Simon Bayliss 15, Gabe Hills Replacements: Paul Studd, Tom Scott Jason Henry