Burch brace gives Newbury the blues.

It was back to league action following a week’s league break for both teams. For many reasons but somewhat surprisingly for two sides only separated by 30 miles, Bracknell and Newbury’s 1XV’s have only played each other four times in the past ten years. Bracknell on each occasion won the encounter. However the recent encounters in the 2017/18 season were both close affairs, the aggregate winning margin for Bracknell in both games being only six points.

In their last games Bracknell lost 24-14 to Maidenhead at their Braywick Road ground whereas Newbury had a great win at home defeating league leaders Barnstaple 26-17. As a result only two points separate the teams in SW Premier.

As well as being a local derby, it was an important game for both sides as they look to put some distance between the bottom two league relegation spots with only three more to go games to Christmas and one to the half way mark of the season.

For Bracknell, Alex Stanley returned to the starting line up replacing Sam Gibbons who started on the bench. George Owen replaced Stuart Mackay in the centre while Gabe Hills returned for his first start this season.

Bracknell kicked off playing towards the clubhouse. Elliott Bellman’s red card after seven minutes meant that Bracknell would have to play the rest of the game with just fourteen men.

Although reduced in numbers Bracknell would open the scoring. A well worked break by Vic Hardwicke and a pass inside saw Ian Burch over the Newbury try line. Vic Hardwicke conversion was good.

Half way through the half Bracknell extended their lead, from a line out in the Newbury 22 a driving maul saw Michael Clarke dot down. This time Vic Hardwicke’s conversion was wide.

A Vic Hardwicke penalty kept the score ticking over for Bracknell. The final score of the half came with just under ten minutes remaining, a number of phases in the Newbury half made space out wide for Ian Burch to score his second of the day.

As Bracknell pressed the numbers were temporarily equalled when Newbury second row Adam Neal was shown a yellow card. This did not last long as moments Ian Burch joined him in the sin bin.

Half time: Bracknell 20 Newbury Blues 0

With Newbury attacking towards the clubhouse in the second half they would enjoy greater territory and possession than they had, had in the first half. A try from fly half Dan Throne and a further try from Tommy Martin had the supporters of both sides thinking if an unlikely come back was going to happen.

Bracknell’s fourteen men, showing great character, pressed and were awarded a penalty just in Newbury territory. Electing for posts Vic Hardwicke stepped up to slot an important three points. Five minutes later a cucumber cool Vic Hardwicke slotted another penalty to extend Bracknell’s lead to twelve points, and dispel any thoughts of a Newbury comeback.

The final score came with four minutes to go. A Bracknell attack broke down, the loose ball was pounced upon by winger Tommy Martin who won the foot race to score his second try of the day.

Full time: Bracknell 26 Newbury Blues 21 (Points: Bracknell 4 Newbury Blues 1)

Commenting after the game Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd said “Delighted with the win, we showed great sprit today. Just after half time I thought that we were tiring, so we had to bring on the replacements earlier than normally we would. There are still areas that we need to improve on and we are working hard on these.”

The result leaves Bracknell in eleventh place four points above twelve placed Launceston and four points behind tenth placed Exmouth.

Well done to the 3XV who had a good win against Aylesbury, not so good for the 4XV who lost to Abbey, but did pick up two losing bonus points in the process

Next Saturday the 1XV travel to Okehampton for the first ever league meeting of the two sides. They are in action at Lily Hill for their final fixture of 2019 on Saturday 21st December when table topping Barnstaple will be the visitors (KO 2.15pm). Please come along and your support to the team for this final game of the year.

Bracknell: 1. Elliott Bellman 2. Michael Clarke (C) 3. Harry Challenor 4. Rhys Verley 5. Jamie Johnson 6. Alex Stanley 7. Tom Mew 8. Kieran Forbes 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Vic Hardwicke 11. Ben Yates 12. Daniel Mays 13. George Owen 14. Ian Burch 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Nick Ovens 17. Sam Gibbons 18. Jake Findlay