BRACKNELL picked up just a second win of the National Three London & South East season as they toppled Chichester 10-5 in a hard-fought struggle.
The game was an edgy affair reflecting the comparative league places of both sides, Bracknell holding on to their lead in a dramatic ending that would have graced the stage of the nearby Chichester Festival Theatre.
On a damp Autumn day, it was Bracknell who enjoyed the best of the opening phases, and the visitors' pressure allowed Tony Lawless to have an early attempt from a penalty after 10 minutes, although his kick was blown just wide.
Bracknell pressed further on the Chichester line but some stoic defending held Rory Greenslade-Jones' side out.
After what seemed an eternity camped on the Chichester five-metre line, Bracknell finally made the breakthrough courtesy of a Liam Hemming try, the fly half breaking a number of tackles to score in front of the clubhouse.
Lawless’s kick this time went through the centre of the uprights to put Bracknell 7-0 up at the break.
The second half was a scrappy affair with the away side only able to extend their lead with a Lawless penalty.
With neither side being able to impose their will on the other, it seemed Bracknell would close out the game.
However, with 10 minutes to go, a carry by former Bracknell player Ken Dowling drew in a number of players, allowing some space for Chirchester's No. 8 and captain, Chris Johnson, to score.
The conversion was missed but the try seemed to inspire the Chichester players as they pressed the Bracknell line with a series of scrums and penalties, even crossing the whitewash only to be unable to ground the ball.
Bracknell finally cleared their lines with a penalty, although they lost the resulting line-out to give Chichester one final opportunity.
However, the hosts were penalised for failing to release, and Bracknell kicked to touch to end a run of four consecutive defeats.
The Lily Hill men entertain winless basement boys Eton Manor this coming Saturday (2.15pm).
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