A good win over Brixham last Saturday would have put the 1XV in good spirit as they faced the long trip to Cornwall to play Camborne. Previous meetings between the sides have been close games but have resulted in a home win, not surprising given the long journey an away trip entails. Last season in the same fixture Bracknell lost at Camborne 29-20. Both Bracknell and Camborne have played Barnstaple and WSM so far this season, Camborne proving more effective against WSM than Bracknell as they recorded a 15-14 home win. This is one of their two wins (both at home) this season, the other coming over Newbury on the opening day. Before the game Camborne’s season so far had a sense of equilibrium about it as they sat ninth in the league on nine points having won two games and lost two games.

The game kicked off under dark Cornish skies. Camborne opened the scoring with an early penalty. Bracknell responded with a try from skipper Michael Clarke with just over ten minutes gone.

Camborne stepped up the pressure and were rewarded with two try’s scored in quick session to give Camborne an eight point lead.

If Camborne though it was job done then they would need to think again. A functioning line out led to Elliott Bellman crossing the Camborne white wash to get Bracknell back in the game. With a tough conversion kick Chris Laidler added the extras.

Bracknell continued to press and a Vic Hardwicke try and conversion gave the lead back to Bracknell. The final score of a topsey turvey half came from Bracknell full back George Owen, to extend Bracknell’s lead and secure a bonus point for Bracknell.

Half time: Camborne 13 Bracknell 26

The second half opened in the same way as the first, Camborne kicking an early penalty.

Bracknell enjoyed a period of great possession but failed to turn that into scoreboard points, something that they would regret later in the match. Having weathered the Bracknell storm Camborne struck back with a try of their own to close Bracknell’ lead to three points.

With Bracknell’s openside Tom Mew sin binned a Camborne try and conversion saw them retake the lead. Numbers were equaled when a Camborne player was shown a yellow card but Bracknell could not get the vital score that would earn Bracknell the win. A small consolation for Bracknell was they had secured two bonus points which may prove vital later in the season but on the long journey home must have had a number of 'what if's' to consider.

Full time: Camborne 30 Bracknell 26 (Points: Camborne 5 Bracknell 2)

The result means Bracknell remain in 11th spot with seven points, one point behind Newbury in 10th. Camborne jump to 7th spot with a 14 points from five games,

Director of Rugby Jamie Turner commented after the game “Really disappointing result but lots of positives and its these we need to focus on over the week”.

Well done to the Stags whose 39-33 win over Amptill Jets see’s them up the third spot in the Zoo Sports Shield. Commiserations to both the 3XV and 4XV who experienced defeat in their BBO fixtures.

Next Saturday the 1XV are back at Lily Hill as they host Drybrook (KO 3pm). That day promises to be a massive rugby day as the clubhouse will be open for the RWC game England vs France (KO 9am) followed by the Vice Presidents Pre-Match Lunch at 1pm. Join us for one of the events or even all!!

Additional photos click here. Photos courtesy Dr Andrea Sawdon