The first time these two sides met this season in the league it was first place vs second place. That time Lydney ran out winners at Lily Hill, and it is to credit Bracknell’s bouncebackability that the second league meeting is still first vs second place.

The game has significant importance for both sides – Lydney to confirm their place as ‘champions elect’ and for Bracknell to secure a play-off spot over local Berkshire rivals Redingensians, a tough task given that Lydney remain unbeaten at home this season.

On a sunny day Bracknell played into the slight breeze in the first half. It was Bracknell that opened the scoring with two penalty kicks from Ben Nowak. During the opening phase of the game it was Bracknell that enjoyed the procession if not the territory. This was to change at the 20 minute mark when from a lineout the Lydney pack rumbled over a driving maul to make the score 5-6; the conversion being missed.

At keenly consented maul referee Mike Hudson saw some foul play which he deemed was punishable by sin binning Nico Maybury and Lydney lock, Dave Bennett. This seemed to affect the shape and rhythm of the game.

Ten minutes later only just having appeared on the pitch, the Lydney replacement prop was yellow carded, and Bracknell were awarded a penalty in their own half. Bracknell lost the resultant line the ball going directly to Lydney's fly–half Chris Holder, who made a break to score under the posts. This was converted to make the score 12-6.

With almost the final play of the half, the ball, being moved around by the Bracknell back three, eventually found its way to Ian Burch who made a stylish and powerful run to score a try in the corner. Ben Nowak missed the long range attempt at the conversion. 12-11 at half time.

If the Bracknell supporters sensed a chance of victory at half time, the Severnsiders showed this was over optimistic on their part and took total control of the second half, with Bracknell rarely venturing into the Lydney half.

Further try’s from Lydney centre Josh Inness and another try from a forward ‘rumble’ secured Lydney a bonus point win, 25-11. This was not before the referee had shown yellow cards to Ian Burch and Stuart Silvester.

Lydney although not mathematically promoted, even bookies at the nearby Cheltenham Festival will not be taking bets on them going up as Champs and many congratulations to them!!

Bracknell previously this season have shown great bouncebackablity which they will need to call upon as following Redingeansians win over Worcester, Bracknell have now dropped to third in the league.

Next Saturday sees the re-arranged, re-arranged fixture versus Weston-Super-Mare, so if you can make the trip, please come down and cheer on the team.

Whatever happens it’s been a great season back in the nation leagues!

GO BRFC!

Bracknell - 1:Jonny Mirza 2:Stuart Silvester 3:Ken Dowding 4:Kenny Barry 5:Ollie Taylor 6:Jonny Baugh 7:George Milligan 8:Nico Maybury (C) 9:Daniel Ap Dafydd 10:Joe Price 11:Ben Yates 12:Ben Nowak 13:Chris Brember 14:Ian Burch 15:Stuart Mackay Subs Leo Bailey, Jack Petelo, Lewis Franklin