Despite Brixham RFC (aka the Fishermen) being founded in 1875 and Bracknell eighty years later, the first meeting of the sides only occurred five years ago. Since then the fixture has been fairly a regular affair, only interrupted for the odd season when Bracknell were transferred London and SE division. Historically the visitors have been perfect guests, in all meetings between the sides only once has an away side won. This fact was repeated earlier in the season when the fourteen men of Bracknell lost 25-10 at Astley Park home of the Fishermen. Although Brixham finished in unfamiliar tenth spot in the league last season, they have a very decent record this season with nine wins, one draw and seven losses a record that saw them sit in fifth place in the league prior to kick off.

Bracknell welcomed back Ken Dowling to the squad taking the place of Tom Scott. Paul Studd came off the bench to start at openside.

Brixham kicked off playing towards the clubhouse in the first half. Brixham would be quickly reduced in numbers, number eight Sam Thomas being sent to the sin bin after 4 minutes. This did not affect Brixham as they would dominate the early stages. This early domination was rewarded after 12 minutes with a try from full back Connor Bedwell.

A rare venture into Brixham territory earned Bracknell three points through the boot of Vic Hardwicke before centre Tom McLean breezed though the Bracknell defensive line to score under the Bracknell posts. Conversion from Mitch Pinkus was successful.

A further Vic Hardwicke penalty cut Brixham’s lead with quarter of an hour of the half remaining.

A Brixham line out was stolen by George Cotterell (on for the injured Jamie Johnson), breaking up the pitch Bracknell were awarded a penalty having trapped Brixham off side at a ruck. A quick tap penalty by Ian Birch caught Brixham off guard and he was able to score next to the Brixham uprights. The conversion from Vic Hardwicke completed the Bracknell comeback, giving Bracknell a surprise half time lead.

Half time: Bracknell 13 Brixham 12

Bracknell, now attacking towards the clubhouse, started the half well. A driving maul off a line out in the Brixham 22 saw George Cotterell dot down with just under five minutes of the half gone. The conversion was expertly converted by Vic Hardwicke from out wide.

On the ten minute mark, Brixham were on the wrong side of referee Zerren Bell when they were reduced in numbers again.

Now back to full strength, a Brixham attack saw Mitch Pinkus dance through the Bracknell defence. He converted his own try to cut Bracknell’s lead to just one point with half of the second half still remaining.

From a break in to Brixham territory Bracknell were awarded a penalty in front of the Brixham posts when Paul Studd was tackled without the ball. Vic Hardwicke success with the boot gave Bracknell three more points.

For the final five minutes Brixham were encamped in the Bracknell 22, going through phase after phase they attacked the Bracknell line but could not find the break that would have won them the match. A final Brixham knock on, allowed Bracknell to kick the ball out from a scrum and bring the game to an end (finally!).

Full time: Bracknell 23 Brixham 19 (Points: Bracknell 4 Brixham 1)

Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd said after the match, “Happy with the win and how we played in the second half. At half time I said to the team if we can play that badly and still be in the game then if we put a better performance in the second half, we can win the game.”

The result means for the first time this season Bracknell have managed back to back wins. They remain in eleventh spot but have opened a small three point lead over Cleve in twelfth. Brixham drop a league spot to sixth.

Well done to the 3XV whose 26-23 win over Beaconsfield sees them go to second in the league. Not so good news for the Stags whose defeat to Chinnor leaves Chinnor as champions elect in BBO1. Commenting after the game Stags manager Mark Finders said “Chinnor were the better team today and deserved the win - the younger guys will learn a lot from today”.

Next week the 1XV have a break for the opening matches of the Six Nations, which you can watch LIVE on the clubhouse screens. The 1XV are next back in action on Saturday 9th February when they face a long trip to Cornwall to play Camborne. They are back at Lily Hill on 16th February when Cleve are the visitors. (KO 2.15pm).

Although the 1XV have a week off there is still rugby at Lily Hill next Saturday as the 3XV take on Grove in a re-arranged fixture. Please come down and lend your support and then watch Ireland vs. England on our clubhouse screens.

Photos courtesy of Ian & Sam Hallam

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