Bracknell RFC crushed at Hertford as hosts rack up half century

In a match played against the backdrop of heavy rain and howling wind, Hertford avenged their 32-19 reverse from earlier in the season with a dominant second-half display.

The home side took an eighth-minute lead courtesy of a Stuart Smart penalty, and after a brawl among the two packs they extended their advantage when James Solomon went over for an outstanding team try.

The build-up saw Hertford go through numerous phases in the middle of the pitch, all started off by Craig South. Michael Sargent was heavily involved, distributing the ball to man-of-the-match James Keen, who offloaded to Paddy Kelly.

The ball found its way to Brett McNamee, centre Luke Sloan and then Jack Elston, who moved into the Bracknell 22. Sargent drove further forward, and McNamee, Sloan and Smart all had the ball in hand again before the final pass was made to Solomon who dotted down.

The conversion was slotted by Smart, but Bracknell hit back with a fine try from full back Ben Yates (pictured).

However, they fell further behind when second row Elston went over on 32 minutes to make it 15-5.

Liam Hemming struck a penalty to cut the gap, and when Yates went over for a second score just before the break, Bracknell trailed by just two points.

Yet it all went horribly wrong for the Lily Hill men in the second half, Louis Castaglione starting a points rush with a try eight minutes after the break.

Smart converted to make it 22-13, and further tries from Solomon, Keen and Kelly put the result beyond doubt.

Things got even worse when Bracknell substitute Robert Baragwanth was sin-binned for a tip tackle in the 67th minute, although they did score a consolation try through George Milligan shortly after.

However, Hertford had the final word as the impressive McNamee bundled over the line, and Smart’s conversion ensured a half-century for the hosts.

Bracknell face a tough encounter at home to league leaders Tonbridge Juddian on Saturday (2.15pm).