Everyone was in early at the Bracknell clubhouse to watch the World Cup Semi Final in Japan on the clubhouse screens. The supporters hoping to make it a good double win for the day, following the England win.

It had been a traumatic week for Bracknell as they parted company with Director of Rugby Jamie Turner following a run of disappointing results so far this season.

Last season when the sides met at Lily Hill, with the teams tied at half time, Bracknell eventually ran out 27-17 winners. So far this season Exmouth have made a start that Bracknell can only hanker after. A home record which has seen them record wins against Okehampton, Maidenhead, a draw to Ivybridge and a two-point loss to league leaders Barnstaple. Away from Recreation Ground they have recorded one win on the road a 24 – 76 win at Launceston. This form sees them sit conformably in seventh position in SW Premier prior to kick off.

The first half started with Bracknell playing away from the clubhouse in dreadful weather conditions.

The sides battled hard to overcome the wet and blustery conditions but the conditions coupled with the strong defence of each side meant that the opening half hour of play would be scoreless. This would change with under ten minutes remaining in the half. Kieran Forbes found space out wide, drawing the defence and popping the ball to Ian Burch, he was able to outpace the Exmouth defence to slide in and open the scoring. Conversion from George Owen was good to give Bracknell a seven-point lead at half.

Half time: Bracknell 7 Exmouth 0

With Bracknell now attacking towards the clubhouse, the weather conditions worsened. Sheeting rain made the handling conditions even more difficult for the sides.

With 29 minutes showing on the score board, a break off a maul by George Owen and an off load to Ben Yates, saw him sprint down the Exmouth flank to score Bracknell’s second try off the afternoon. Conversion this time was missed in the driving rain.

Into the final quarter and Exmouth pinned Bracknell deep in their own but the stout Bracknell defence would not be broken even with Harry Challenor in the sin bin for ten minutes.

Full time: Bracknell 12 Exmouth 0 (Points: Bracknell 4 Exmouth 0)

The result sees Bracknell up to tenth spot in SW Premier - the bottom of the table is still very compacted, only three points separating positions thirteen to ten. Exmouth drop to ninth but still have a heathier six-point lead over Bracknell.

Commenting on the week and the Exmouth game Chair of Rugby Martin Radford said “After a difficult week at the club, we pressed the reset button and won a game in conditions that suited the opposition. This was a real statement of intent from the team that was focused on 100% commitment in defence and a real emphasis on attacking with variety. I was really pleased with the performance in difficult circumstances.”

Well done to the Stags who got back to winning ways with a 27 -9 away win over Sutton & Epson. Commiserations to the 4XV who lost to a very good Maidenhead III side on Friday night under the lights of Braywick Road. A slow first half start ultimately costing the 4XV. Coach Turner stating that the 4XV did win the second half two trys to one!

There are no games next week but the Rugby World Cup Final is being shown on the clubhouse screens – keep an eye on this website for full details. The 1XV are next in action on the 9th November when they travel to Ivybridge. The next home game is on 16th November when they host Launceston at Lily Hill (KO 2.15pm).

Next Sunday its Firework Evening at the club. If you have not got your tickets then they can be purchased on-line here>>
https://www.bracknellrugbyclubshop.com/product-category/tickets/events/
Please note on-line sales close this Friday 1st November.

Photos courtesy: Paul Paxford & Jayne Whitelegg

Bracknell: 1 Elliott Bellman 2 Aaran Mathews 3 Nick Ovens 4 Alex Stanley 5 Sam Gibbons 6 Michael Carke (c) 7 Tom Mew 8 Kieran Forbes 9 Lewis Franklin 10 Chris Laidler 11 Ian Burch 12 Daniel Mays 13 Bart Van Herwijnen 14 Simon Bayliss 15 George Owen Replacements: 16 Harry Challenor 17 Jamie Johnson 18 Ben Yates

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