BRACKNELL RFC secured back-to-back wins under new coach Daniel Ap Dafydd as they overcame relegated Westcliff 17-7 in National Three London & South East on Saturday.

The first half started with away side Bracknell playing into a slight breeze, but neither team could generate enough sustained possession to test the other. A series of knock-ons and unforced errors meant that the momentum was consistently lost at the critical stage.

With Westcliff perhaps enjoying the better chances it came against the run of play when the visitors broke the deadlock just before half time. From a line-out the Bracknell pack drove the ball forward before releasing it to allow Ben Yates to come off his wing and cut a line through the Westcliff defence to score by the posts. The conversion was kicked by Lachlan Valentine to put the Lily Hill men 7-0 up at the break.

But the scores were level again almost immediately after half time after Bracknell failed to deal with the kick off. From the resulting scrum, Westcliff wing Jack Gray was able to brush off a number of tackles to score under the posts, Harry Branch converting to level matters.

With the promised showers now falling, scrum half Ally Walton seized on a chance to make a break by a ruck and darted up the field to score his maiden try for the first team. Valentine was unable to add the extras, but Bracknell led 12-7.

With almost half of the second half gone Bracknell scored their third try, prop Jonny Mirza bulldozing his way up the flank to touch down in the corner. Valentine again missed but his side were nonetheless in control.

Neither side were able to trouble the scorers further, although Bracknell did have to soak up some late pressure which saw Joe Pickett yellow carded.

Bracknell remain 11th in the table but face two tough games to end the season. They host third-placed East Grinstead this coming Saturday (3pm) before travelling to Westcombe Park the following week.

CROWTHORNE RFC return to BB&O Premier action this coming Saturday with a home game against resurgent Hungerford (3pm).

Fifth-placed Crows need to win to keep their aim of a top-four finish alive ahead of a final-day trip to likely runners-up Milton Keynes.

Alex Stewart’s men are currently four points behind Abingdon who have a tough test against Tadley this Saturday.