Had any followers of National 3 South West ever thought that Lydney were not going to bounce straight back up to level 4 then they should take note of this score line.

The only vague hope is that this report will take their eye off the ball, but I think it will take more than this to divert the attentions of a very sound and competent side who believe their destiny lies in the league above or higher. Few sides in this league have the ability to disagree

A penalty in the very first minute converted by the educated boot of Lydney’s No. 15 gave the visitors a lead that Bracknell were never to better. As the game wore on it was that boot, along with the one of the Lydney No. 10 that forced Bracknell back into the areas that they struggled to play out of on a wet day where slick handling was always going to be tricky

So, although Bracknell were to give as good as they got in the first half exchanges the half time score of 6 – 9 was an indication of Lydney’s edge of control in the first 40 minutes.

The second half saw long periods of parity in many areas of the game but despite the usual ebb and flow of possession and territory Bracknell failed to capitalise on any inroads they made, whereas Lydney where more clinical.

All 3 of Lydney’s second half tries came through forward pressure and two of them were scored by the same sharp eyed 2nd row forward who escaped untouched through the middle of a ruck for a try under the posts, both to be converted. Never say that Bracknell are weak around the fringes….

Despite the loss we hold onto 2nd place so congratulations to all because the whole “team” on and off the field have done a great job up to now.

The result shows that Bracknell were well beaten, but if we have anything to console ourselves with, this was the very first game that Lydney have not got a bonus point from. No-one can argue that……!!!!!

Bracknell – Jonny Mirza, Stuart Silvester , Ken Dowding, Kenny Barry, Ollie Taylor, Matt Brambley, George Milligan, Nico Maybury (C),Daniel Ap Dafydd, Daniel Antonelli, Ian Burch, Ben Nowak, Tom Saunders, Stuart Mackay, Liam Prescott. Subs – Jack Petello, Joe Clapson, Neil Higgins, Chris Christie

Pete Predictions

No side with “Old” in their names are going to win this league but there is a good chance that at least one of them will go down – probably two of them. Nostradamus or what?

It’s now near certain that Lydney will the bounce back up from relegation just like we (and Old Reds) did last year from the league below , so congratulations to them (early doors but who cares).

As far as the rest of the season is concerned for BRFC our next three games see us take on 3 of the bottom 5 to reach the half way stage at Christmas (boys – concentrate, concentrate) so while exposing an ever protruding neck I predict that says we’ll still be second at Christmas – happy days if I’m right!

A word of warning however – Bracknell have played 4 of the top 6 at home in the first half of the season so the back end of the season is going to be tough!!!

Please keep up the support whether it be homing or roaming – it all helps our boys on the day!!!
GO BRFC