BRACKNELL RFC returned to winning ways in National Three South West with a fine 24-19 home win against Brixham.

The visitors had the opportunity to take an early lead, only for Ben Lovell to miss two penalties, and Bracknell took advantage by scoring the first try, Ben Sanderson darting through to go over under the posts. Chris Laidler added the extras to make it 7-0 to the hosts.

The Lily Hill men continued to dominate possession and territory, but could not convert their superiority into score board points.

This was to prove costly as just before the half-time break centre Elliot Bryers scored Brixham’s equalising try, Lovell converting. His penalty shortly after gave the visitors a 10-7 lead at the break.

Bracknell hit back five minutes into the second period as a powerful rolling maul allowed replacement prop Jasper Miranda to dot down, Laidler again adding the extras.

A second Lovell penalty reduced the gap to a solitary point, and after Bracknell’s Daniel Carpo was sin-binned, Lovell put his side 16-14 in front with another successful shot at goal.

Brixham were then also reduced to 14 men after scrum half Noah Nash was yellow carded for a high tackle, and Laidler’s penalty put the hosts back in front.

With 10 minutes remaining Ian Burch sealed Bracknell’s win with a fine solo try, coming off his wing to slice through the Brixham defence. Laidler converted.

A late Brixham penalty allowed the visitors to claim a losing bonus point but it could not detract from a deserved home win.

Bracknell visit Lydney on Saturday (2.15pm).