It was Bracknell’s turn to make the 210 mile trip to face Launceston (aka the Cornish All Blacks) at their Polson Bridge ground (if only we were in Tasmania where the Bracknell to Launceston trip is a mere 25 miles!!!). When the sides met last November at Lily Hill, for the first meeting since 2016/17, Bracknell won 15-13 in a close game.

This season having initially struggled to cope with the step up from level 6 Launceston are unbeaten at home in 2020 (having beaten Newbury & Ivybridge). Their away form in 2020 is impressive too, beating Okehampton and picking up losing bonus points at Maidenhead and at league leaders Barnstaple last time out. Prior to kick off, Launceston sat in tenth place on 38 points 6 points above Bracknell. Both sides knowing that a win would be important for survival in South West Premier.

Head of Rugby Daniel ap Dafydd a made a few changes to the team that defeated Ivybridge last Saturday Alex Stanley started at blindside flanker while Tom Derrick came in at centre.

Bracknell received the ball from the kick off, playing towards Polson Bridge. In a tight half only an interception try from second row Tornin Clarke would separate the sides at half time.

Five minutes into the second half, Launceston extended their lead with a penalty from winger Dan Pearce before moments later a catch and drive off a line out saw blindside flanker Harry Lightfoot score Launceston's second try of the afternoon.

With ten minutes of the game remaining and with skipper Michael Clarke in the sin bin Launceston put the result beyond any doubt. A number of Launceston attacks finally outflanked the Bracknell defence for prop Greg Thomas to score the final try of the game.

Full time: Launceston 22 Bracknell 0 (Points: Launceston 4 Bracknell 0)

Bracknell return to home action on Saturday 21st March when Maidenhead make the short trip to Lily Hill. That day there is a VP Pre-Match Lunch for more details and booking click here.

Next Friday (13th March) it’s “The Scrum” Craft Beer Pop Up Bar (6pm to 11pm). Tickets are available now at >> https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/craft-beer-popup-the-scrum-bar-at-bracknell-rugby-club-tickets-89219789793?aff=efbeventtix

Next Saturday join us for the final round of the Six Nations final Round. All the day’s action will be shown live on the clubhouse screens. Keep an eye on the website for updates.

Photos courtesy Jayne Whitelegg

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (C) 3. Jonny Mirza 4. Dave Barron 5. Rhys Verley 6. Alex Stanley 7. Tom Mew 8. James Burger 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Chris Laidler 11. George Owen 12. Dan Spencer-Tonks 13. Tom Derrick 14. Ian Burch 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Elliott Bellman 17. Tom Scott 18. Ben Yates