Bracknell set off on the second of their three long away trips to deepest Devon this week in the knowledge that their opponents Newton Abbot had travelled away to Barnstaple last week and were the first side this season to chalk up an away win in North Devon

So when Bracknell met at Lily Hill Park at 8.00am on Saturday morning they were well aware that Newton Abbot were more capable of troubling the sides at the top of the table than their 10th place might suggest.

This is what made it even more disappointing when the home side opened up a 21- 0 lead in the first 17 minutes. The very first time that Newton Abbot ran at Bracknell's backs they were to break through to score. The very first catch and drive from an attacking lineout resulted in the second try and the third followed shortly after through a backs move on the right. With the unerring boot of the full back converting all 3 tries the 21 - 0 score line was very sorry reading for the visitors.

As Bracknell tried to impose their driving game small errors were to prove costly. After a long period of pressure a Kenny Barry try converted by Liam Prescott appeared to be the beginning of a comeback but no more than a minute later a Liam Prescott kick was charged down by his opposite number who collected the ball and raced untouched under the posts. 28 - 7

Bracknell conceded a penalty late on in the half but still found time to nab a second try in the last minute of the half as Matt Brambley broke clear. The possibility of comeback became more than wishful thinking but although Liam Prescott added the extra points, Bracknell went to the changing rooms at half time 31 - 14 down with a hair dryer team talk to look forward to.

Whatever was said at half time certainly did the trick for a while and as the second half unfolded the visitors upped the pressure forcing a yellow card and took immediate advantage with a try from Daniel Antonelli again well converted by Liam Prescott. 31 - 21

5 minutes, more pressure and another yellow card later, Bracknell's 4th try was scored by Ian Burch who looked dangerous all day and the deficit was reduced to just 5 points. 31 - 26

From the restart however, the home side made it into the oppositions half for the first time in the second period and as they regained some territory they regained their composure with it. After missing a penalty in an attempt to make the gap in the scores more defendable a Newton Abbot try under the posts appeared to do the job instead. 38 - 26

Bracknell were unwilling to concede their second loss on the road this season without a fight however, and forced two more five metre lineouts that they were unable to turn into points and on another occasion, after a blistering line break by Stuart MacKay, George Milligan crossed the line to touch down under the posts only for the final pass to be adjudged forward by a very close call from the referee.

In the dying minutes of the game as Bracknell became desperate, a wayward pass from the base of a ruck was knocked on and in the melee the ball fell to the home side, leading to their 6th try which finally took their lead beyond Bracknell’s reach. 45 – 26

The home side deserved their celebrations and Bracknell need to learn from a loss which to be honest – they are not accustomed to. It should be remembered that this is only their second defeat on the road since March 2012 (London Irish Amateur at Sunbury, Division 3 London & SE,)
Newton Abbot have now won 3 games on the trot with 2 of them against sides considerably higher placed in the table than they are so, although this will be of no consolation to Bracknell followers, we can perhaps hope that they will have a surprise in store for some of our rivals.

Bracknell – Jonny Mirza, Stuart Silvester, Jack Petelo, Kenny Barry, Ollie Taylor, Matt Brambley, George Milligan, Nico Maybury (C), Daniel Ap Dafydd, Liam Prescott, Ian Burch, Ben Nowak, Joe Price, Stuart Mackay, Daniel Antonelli. Subs – Horatio Nelson, Josh Webb, Gareth Staples, Ben Yates.

Pete's Predictions
As the league reaches the half way stage Bracknell let second spot slip after a period of several weeks when Redingensians have been breathing down our neck waiting for our first slip up. Next week Bracknell host our closest rivals (in more ways than one) for a game where a win for either side will secure 2nd spot over the Christmas break which will give that side an edge in the race for the playoff position going into the second half of the season.

Old Reds in 4th now have a bit of daylight between them and Brixham in 5th but as fate would have it they travel to Brixham next week. Old Reds will have to be at their very best on the road to get a win but by doing so, could overhaul Bracknell if we don't get the better of Redingensians. It’s still a tight battle for the playoff spot!

At the other end of the table we see Old Cents wriggle clear of bottom place for the first time this season but I think Old Pats have too much to offer at home to allow Old Cents, Old Boys or Old Chips (made up name) to drag them down into the relegation places.

Please come and join us at Lily Hill Park to give your support to Bracknell for our local derby next Saturday 14th December...GO BRFC