Small reward for 1XV endeavour

Having sat out the 2020 opening rounds of SW Premier fixtures, Bracknell were in action for the first time in 2020, away at Brixham. With their postponed game before the Christmas break this was Bracknell’s first game for three weeks.

Earlier in the season Bracknell ran out 41-9 winners at Lily Hill against Brixham, since then both teams have made changes to their coaching staff. Following this change Brixham enjoyed a five match unbeaten run that was only ended by a one point defeat at Newbury a week before Christmas - a run that included the notable scalps of Maidenhead and Ivybridge.

Bracknell welcomed back Jonny Mirza to the front row, making his first start of the season. In the backs Chris Laider, Gabe Hills and George Owen all returned having missed the trip to Oakhampton before Christmas.

Bracknell played the first half playing against strong wind that blew down the pitch. With twenty minutes gone the sides had exchanged but neither side could put enough possession to score, the strong wind hampering performance.

A Mitch Pinkus penalty re-gave Brixham the lead just before the half hour mark.

Nearing the half time break with the ball having crossed into Bracknell's 'in-goal' area off a defensive 5m scrum, Brixham were able to reach the ball to dot down for the opening try of the game. The extras were not added, the conversion rebounding off the Bracknell upright.

Half time: Brixham 11 Bracknell 3

Playing with the wind at their backs Bracknell enjoyed periods of pressure on the Brixham line but were unable to convert the pressure in score board points.

With two minutes of the game remaining the Brixham defence was finally breached as Kieran Forbes crossed the Brixham white wash. Chris Laidler converted to bring Bracknell to within one point.

In final two minutes Bracknell threw the proverbial ‘kitchen sink’ at the Brixham defence but were unable to find the score that would give them the victory.

Full time: Brixham 11 Bracknell 10 (Points: Brixham 4 Bracknell 1)

Chairman of Rugby Martin Radford said of the game "Too many unforced errors in attack cost us dear - otherwise the endeavour and defence was outstanding at times - so if we cut out the mistakes going forward the results will come.... "

Newbury’s win over Exmouth sees them leapfrog Bracknell as Bracknell drop to the foot table. However, Bracknell do have two games in hand over Newbury and a game in hand over other teams above them.

The first home game of 2020 is this Saturday (18th January) when the 1XV welcome Camborne to Lily Hill. Prior to kick off there is a pre-match lunch. £10 gives you a delicious buffet selection, to book click here. Please come down and support the team in this first home outing of 2020.

Bracknell: 1 Harry Challenor 2 Michael Clarke (C) 3 Jonny Mirza 4 Rhys Verley 5 Jamie Johnson 6 Alex Stanley 7 Tom Mew 8 Kieran Forbes 9 Lewis Franklin 10 Chris Laidler 11 Ian Burch 12 Dan Mays 13 Owen Smith 14 George Owen 15 Gabe Hills Replacements: 16 Elliott Bellman 17 Tom Scott 18 Vic Hardwicke