The men from Bracknell Forest travelled to Mannings in the Forest of Dean, home ground of Drybrook RFU for this SW Premier fixture. There is no great history of games between the two clubs, the sides only met for the first-time last season but what games there have been, have been close affairs. It was Bracknell that triumphed on both occasions last season, this season Drybrook ran out winners by one point at Lily Hill last October.

It was a day that records had to be broken whatever the result. As Bracknell were still looking for their first away win of the season whereas Drybrook were looking for their first win of 2020, their last win coming on 21st December when they defeated Newbury Blues 14-10 at home. Prior to kick off Drybrook sat in ninth place on 32 points, five points above Bracknell with a pretty similar points difference.

Bart van Herwijnen replaced Dan Mays at centre while Harry Challenor started at loose head prop in a side otherwise unchanged from the side that faced Camborne two weeks ago.

Bracknell received kick off playing in their changed black kit with the brisk wind blowing diagonally across the pitch slightly favouring Bracknell. The conditions would be difficult for both sides.

Drybrook’s opening pressure in the early phases was rewarded with the opening try after fourteen minutes. A neat chip kick from scrum half Ollie Moore was gathered by him to dot down. The conversion from fly half Tim Stevenson was good.

Bracknell finally exerted some pressure in the Drybrook half. A number of driving mauls had the Drybrook try line under pressure, but with the opportunity seemingly over, Tim Stevenson's clearance kick was changed down by Bart van Herwijnen, reacting quickly he fell on the loose ball in the try area to score. Vic Hardwicke’s conversion was successful.

Into the final ten minutes the sides exchanged a penalties as each venture into opposition territory was rewarded with a penalty. The final Drybrook attack ended in Tim Stevenson penalty to give Drybrook a three-point lead at half time.

Half time: Drybrook 13 Bracknell 10

With the with wind blowing to their advantage and perhaps knowing the local conditions better Drybrook were to dominate the territory in the second half. With ten minutes gone of the half, a throw to the front of a line out and a driving maul got Drybrook over the Bracknell white wash. Tim Stevenson was again in target with the conversion.

With the wind seeming to pick up even more, Bracknell could not take advantage of any rare foray in Drybrook territory and found themselves pinned into their own half. Only some brave defending preventing further Daybrook scores.

Into the last quarter and Bracknell were reduced in numbers as Jonny Mirza was sent to the sin bin. A final Bracknell attack was halted in the Drybrook 22, allowing the ball to be cleared to touch and bring the game to an end.

Full time: Drybrook 20 Bracknell 10 (Points: Drybrook 4 Bracknell 0)

The result sees Drybrook up to eighth place now on thirty-six points. Bracknell remain at the bottom of the table and are now six points from safety, following Launceston’s win over Newbury. They still have games in hand over the teams above them but each game is becoming more vital. Elsewhere Bracknell’s next opponents Exeter University enjoyed a win over league leaders Barnstaple. Exeter University visit Lily Hill next Saturday (8th February) as the 1XV look to get back to winning ways. Before the game there is a pre-match lunch available for full details and booking click here. The same day its England vs Scotland in the Six Nations (KO 4.45pm), which will be shown on the clubhouse screens after the 1XV game so it promises to be a Super Rugby Saturday at the club.

Well done to both 3XV and 4XV who recorded wins by over forty points in their BBO fixtures.

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 Vic Hardwicke 11 Ian Burch 12 Bart van Herwijnen 13 Owen Smith 14 George Owen 15 Gabe Hills Replacements: Elliott Bellman, Tom Scott Chris Laidler

Photos courtesy Jayne Whitelegg