Bracknell’s first away game of the season saw them to travel North Devon, to face a difficult game at Barnstaple’s Pottington Road ground, a ground where they have not won since the 2014/15 season (and even then it was by a point). Last season Barnstaple completed the double over Bracknell (amongst others) finishing as runners up in SW Premier, defeat at the hands of Westcliffe in the SW/London play-off meant that they were not promoted to National 3 South. This season’s 13 team SW Premier league meant this was Barnstaple’s opening game of the season.
Although its was only Bracknell’s second game of the season, the list of unavailable players had grown to seven. Andy Slade making a welcome re-appearance in first team colours. Kieran Forbes and Oli Radford both making their first team league debut.
On a wonderful sunny afternoon Bracknell started lively but it was Barnstaple that opened the scoring with a Jake Murphy penalty after 15 minutes.
On the half hour mark Barnstaple scored their opening try. Wing forward Winston James finishing off a backs move from a scrum.
The teams exchanged penalties before a catch and drive off a line out secured Winston James second try of the afternoon, to give Barnstaple a 17 point lead at half time.
Half time: Barnstaple 20 Bracknell 3
An early Barnstaple penalty extended their lead before number 8 Jake Childs picking up off a scrum scored Barnstaple’s third try of the afternoon.
Barnstaple’s all important bonus point try came from Winston James (and his hat trick try) following a drive from the Barnstaple pack.
Full time: Barnstaple 35 Bracknell 3 (Points: Barnstaple 5 Bracknell 0)
Well done to the 3XV who opened their league campaign with a massive 64 point win over Oxford Harlequins.
1XV now have a week off, before they face Brixham at Lily Hill on 28th September (KO 3pm).
Photos courtesy Jayne Whitelegg. All match day photos can be seen by clicking here.
Bracknell: 1 Harry Challenor 2 Michael Clarke (c) 3 Nick Ovens 4 Alex Stanley 6 Sam Gibbons 7 Tom mew 8 Kieran Forbes 9 Lewis Fraknlin 10 Vic Hardwicke 11 Ben Yates 12 Andy Slade 13 Chris Laidler 14 Simon Bayliss 15 Olli Radford Replacements: Elliott Bellman, Aaran Mathews, Tom Field.