With Redingensians firm favourites to win the National Three South West title, Bracknell realistically had to win at Exmouth to stand any chance of beating them to second place and a play-off berth.

But Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men paid a heavy price for a slow start in Devon and lost by a narrow margin.

In many ways it was a repeat of Bracknell’s 37–31 home defeat by Exmouth earlier in the season when they recovered from an 18–0 deficit before losing 37–31.

Last Saturday it was a similar story as Exmouth led 16–0 at the break before Bracknell came storming back in the second half.

Sadly, yet again it was a case of too little, too late as Exmouth held on to the victory which gives them a 13-point cushion over Brixham in third r fourth-placed Bracknell.

Greenslade-Jones admitted: “Give Exmouth credit. They came flying out of the blocks, we missed a few tackles and we couldn’t get our hands on the ball for 20 minutes.

“But we regained our composure and could have been a lot closer to them at half time, only George Owen dropped the ball on the line after creating an opportunity for himself.

“Nevertheless, we were in the ascendancy and the second half was one-way traffic. We dominated territory and possession, but unfortunately we couldn’t get one more score to win.

“In many ways it was similar to our home game against them. There was nothing in it really and had those games lasted another five minutes we would have won them both.” He added: “Overall, we did well to come away from Exeter with a bonus point because not many teams do that.

“But I think second place is our of our grasp now. If we were going to get second we had to beat Exmouth.” Greenslade-Jones admitted his players had the benefit of an ‘excellent week’ of preparation before the long trip to Devon.

But they had little answer to Exmouth’s powerful pack and the hosts stormed into a 16-0 lead thanks to a converted Henry Goldson try plus three George Meadows penalties.

However, the visitors stormed back after the break and reduced the arrears to 16–11 with an unconverted George Milligan try and a couple of Owain Davies penalties.

When Exmouth prop George Savage was red carded, it seemed Bracknell would complete their comeback and secure the victory.

But Exmouth held out for the win which puts them in pole position for second spot.

Greenslade-Jones could now make changes to his squad for this Saturday’s home fixture against Barnstaple (2.15pm ko), the team they beat 34–17 away in October.

“We’ve got some very good boys coming through the second-team so we will be looking to blood them over the remaining games,” added Greenslade-Jones.

“The aim now is to go unbeaten for the rest of the season and try and clinch that third spot.” Unfortunately, Joe Price has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after a shoulder operation.

However, Army player Rob Smart has joined Bracknell’s ranks and impressed on his debut at Exmouth.