BRACKNELL RFC suffered a second consecutive defeat as they slumped to a 52-17 reverse at Shelford in National Three London and South East.

The Lily Hill Men began brightly despite playing uphill and into a breeze, and their early pressure was rewarded when fly half Lewis Dennet slotted a penalty.

The lead was extended following a catch and drive from a line-out, Leo Bailey going over in the corner before Dennet converted to make it 10-0.

Shelford hit back, however, wing Andrew Short capitalising on a Bracknell turnover to score under the posts for the home side.

A period of scrappy play followed and the larger Shelford pack eventually took control, allowing second row Scott Jackowski to score from a catch and drive.

Although Bracknell continued to go through the phases a great break by Shelford No. 8 Aki Lea and some deft inter-play with other back row Jamie Beswick meant Tom Ransom scored under the posts. With the conversion kicked, Shelford led 19-10.

Scott was then sin-binned but the hosts extended their lead before the break, Warwick Anderson crossing for a converted score to make it 26-10.

Shelford moved even further in front within a minute of the restart as Scott crossed for his second, although Bracknell hit back immediately when the returning George Milligan latched on to a pass from skipper Jonny Mirza, following one of his numerous clean breaks of the afternoon. The conversion was kicked by Lewis Dennet to cut the deficit to 33-17.

With 47 minutes gone the slim hopes of a Bracknell comeback were extinguished when centre Dan Faamatuainu received a red card for an alleged high tackle, and a further two tries from Scott and one from full back Tom Jackson sealed a comfortable win for Shelford.

Bracknell will aim to pick up their first points of the campaign when they welcome Hertford to Lily Hill Park on Saturday (2pm ko).