A SUPERB display of finishing from Bracknell’s backs gave them a first London & South East Three victory of the season with a 32-19 triumph at home to Hertford, writes Richard Ashton.

The Lily Hill men had endured a difficult start to the season having suffered two defeats, and things did not begin brightly on Saturday as wing Ian Burch received a yellow card early on.

However, the visitors were unable to make their numerical advantage count, and Bracknell took the lead courtesy of a Simon Bayliss try when they were back up to 15 men.

The conversion was missed and Hertford moved into the lead themselves shortly after, hooker Brett McNamee going over for a score of his own before Joe Murphy added the extra two points.

A Lewis Dennett penalty put Bracknell back in front, but the away side regained their lead before the break, scrum half Michael Sargent taking advantage of some poor tackling to go over for a try.

However, Murphy’s conversion attempt struck the upright to leave Hertford 12-8 to the good at half-time.

The second period was dominated by Rory Greenslade-Jones’ side, with Bracknell controlling most of the territory and possession, somewhat in contrast to the opening 40 minutes.

An early Dennett penalty was followed by a great driving run by No. 8 Lachlan Valentine which allowed Burch to score, and Dennett knocked over the extras to make it 18-12. The hosts had retaken the lead, and it was one they were not going to release.

Five minutes later the Lily Hill men extended their advantage with a converted try from Stuart Mackay following some great link-up play between the backs and forwards, and they all but sealed the victory with 10 minutes remaining when a sublime pick up from man-of-the-match Chris Brember allowed him to score Bracknell’s bonus point try.

Dennett’s impressive afternoon with the boot continued as he slotted the conversion, taking his haul to 12 points for the day.

With the score 32-12, Hertford bagged a late consolation through wing Tabo Madiri, replacement James Russell adding the extras, but they were unable to score again and departed without a losing bonus point.

Bracknell picked up five points from their success and now sit ninth in the table, although they face a tough trip to early-season pace-setters Tonbridge Juddian – who have scored 151 points in their three games so far – on Saturday.

Bracknell Under 15s snatched a thrilling 26-20 victory at High Wycombe on Sunday.

Alex Turton scored the last of his four fabulous tries in the final play, while Oakley Drummie and Kyle McKinnon were the men-of-the-match.