BRAVE Bracknell RFC put in a heroic defensive effort but were ultimately beaten 24-14 by third-placed East Grinstead in their National Three London & South East on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

The visitors took a ninth-minute lead when former Bracknell player Liam Prescott produced a clever cross-kick which was collected by left wing Colin Dickson who went over in the corner.

Those were the only points of the half although the away side had the better of the contest, with Lachlan Valentine sin-binned for Bracknell after they repeatedly infringed at the breakdown.

The Lily Hill men began the second period with a bang in front of a bumper and vocal crowd.

Jasper Miranda collected a loose ball and, following some stunning handling in the backs, Stuart Mackay went over for the equalising score. Valentine’s expert conversion put the hosts in front.

Bracknell were again reduced to 14 men after Leo Bailey was yellow carded, and East Grinstead went back in front after a period of sustained pressure ended with James Faaatuatu going over on the right.

The wing pushed his side further in front when collecting his second of the day, and Prescott finally found his range from the tee to make the score 17-7.

The gutsy hosts hit back, however, with captain Jonny Mirza making a break and Chris Brember eventually ending up with the ball and going over. Valentine was again successful with the conversion to cut the gap to three points.

However, any hopes of a stunning upset were ended on 77 minutes, Esera Faaofo powering over for his side’s bonus-point score before Prescott added the extras.

Bracknell chairman Martin Radford – helping with the coaching in the absence of Daniel Ap Dafydd – was pleased with his side’s efforts and told the News: “They’re a very good side and have invested in a good set of players.

“But what you can’t coach is heart, grit and determination and we had it in bags, probably more than they did. That bodes well for the future in terms of how we’re going to take it forward.”

l BRACKNELL Under 18s were crowned OBB League Division One champions with a 19-10 win at Maidenhead on Sunday.