The sides first met this season in the far off halcyon days of the second game (or opening game for Barnstaple). That day under the Devon sun Barnstaple ran out 35-3 winners. Since that day the fortunes of both sides have diverged, to the extent that they find themselves at opposite ends of the SW Premier table. Unfortunately for Bracknell it was their visitors that are the league leaders by 15 points. Having sat out last weekend thanks to Storm Dennis, in this re-arranged fixture Bracknell were hoping to extend Barnstaple’s run of two away defeats, having recently lost at Ivybridge and Exeter University, too earn some much needed points.

From the team that faced Exeter University a fortnight ago Chris Laidler replaced the injured Vic Hardwicke at fly half, while into the starting line-up came George Owen and Dan Spencer-Tonks (making his debut), in the pack Tom Field came in at openside flanker.

Bracknell received the kick off playing away from the clubhouse. In a keenly contested but scrappy half only a Chris Laidler penalty would separate the teams at half time. Some stout Bracknell defence keeping Barnstaple to zero at half time.

Half Time: Bracknell 3 Barnstaple 0

Whatever was said in the Bracknell changing rooms at half time certainly had an effect as within three minutes of the re-start Bracknell had scored. After a number of attacking phases Dan Spencer-Tonks was able to burst over the Barnstaple try line. Unusually the conversion was charged down.

From the re-start a Bracknell attack ended when the ball was held up in goal. From the resultant scrum Gabe Hills was able to dance his way through the Barnstaple defence to dot down. Chris Laidler's conversion just sneaking the wrong side of the Barnstaple upright.

Barnstaple got themselves back into the game with twenty minutes remaining, a try from Terry Sellick setting the Bracknell nerves jingling.

Four minutes later full back Ryan Lee found space to score under the Bracknell posts. Fly half Haydn Lidston converted to give the visitors a one point lead.

With just over five minutes remaining, it was heart break for Bracknell as scrum half Dyan Gosling crossed the Bracknell white wash to seal the win for Barnstaple. The conversion from Haydn Lidston compounding the Bracknell misery.

In the dying moments Bracknell had an opportunity to claim a bonus point, again the Bracknell attacked was halted held up in the Barnstaple in goal area.

Full time: Bracknell 13 Barnstaple 21 (Points: Bracknell 0 Barnstaple 4)

Elsewhere hard luck to the Stags who lost away in Guernsey 28-23 and the 3XV who also tasted defeat at the hands of the Rams.

The 1XV are back in action next Saturday at Lily Hill when Ivybridge are the visitors (KO 2.15pm). There is a pre-match lunch prior to kick off for details click here.. Prior to all that it is Quiz Night at the club Friday, so get your thinking caps on. Tickets are £5 per person and can be purchased over the bar.

The 1XV away fixture at Exmouth postponed from last Saturday is now due to be played Saturday 11th April.

Photos courtesy Jayne Whitelegg

#GoBRFC

Bracknell: 1. Harry Challenor 2. Michael Clarke (C) 3. Jonny Mirza 4. Jamie Johnson 5. Rhys Verley 6. Alex Stanley 7. Tom Field 8. Kieran Forbes 9. Lewis Franklin 10. Chris Laidler 11. Ian Burch 12. Dan Spencer-Tonks 13. Bart van Herwijnen 14. George Owen 15. Gabe Hills Replacements: 16. Nick Ovens 17. Sam Gibbons 18. Ben Yates