BRACKNELL RFC’s two-match South West Premier winning run was halted with a disappointing 25-16 home defeat to Ivybridge on Saturday.

The away side went in front thanks to a 10th-minute Mitch Pinkus penalty, but Bracknell’s response was almost immediate.

With the referee signalling advantage, the ball found its way to Gabe Hills, who beating a number of Ivybridge tackles, scored out wide. Vic Hardwicke converted to make it 7-3 to the Lily Hill men.

The sides exchanged penalties before Peceli Nacamavuto was, perhaps somewhat harshly, yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on.

Although reduced in numbers Bracknell extended their lead when a further Vic Hardwicke penalty put them 13-6 to the good, Pinkus yellow-carded before half time.

Yet it was the away side who started the second period better, a quickly-taken free-kick from a scrum ending as Ben Watts darted over the try line.

Full back Charlie Braint converted and it was 13-13 with less than five minutes gone of the second half.

Bracknell conceded three kickable penalties in their own half within a 15-minute period, and with Pinkus finding his range, Ivybridge managed to build a useful 22-13 lead.

With quarter of an hour left on the clock, some Bracknell pressure finally resulted in a Vic Hardwicke penalty reducing the deficit to six points.

However, a further Ivybridge penalty saw any hopes dashed and sealed the victory for the away side.

The result leaves Bracknell in 10th spot in the league, with 22 points, although the difference between seventh and 12th places is only five points.

Bracknell have a week off before they visit Hornets on Saturday, November 25th.

Crowthorne RFC

CROWTHORNE RFC’s miserable BB&O Premier campaign continued as they were thrashed 50-10 at home by Hungerford.

Crows have lost five and drawn one of their games this season, conceding two more to sit bottom of the table on -8 points.

They are also without a game this week, travelling to Didcot on November 25.