BRACKNELL crashed to a fourth consecutive opening-day defeat as they were walloped 67-12 by Newton Abbot in their National Three South West clash at Lily Hill Park.

The hosts made the livelier start, but failed to turn their pressure into points as a Chris Laidler penalty struck the upright before a penalty from full back Rob Avery-Wright gave Newton Abbot the lead.

The away side then began to take control of possession and territory, and some smart hands allowed wing Max Snowdon to dot down after 15 minutes.

Newton Abbot looked good and they moved further ahead after cutting through the Bracknell defence, back row forward Josh Vickridge the man to claim the points. Avery-Wright added the extras and the Devon All Whites led 15-0.

Bracknell’s woes continued on the 20-minute mark when centre Matt Jess crossed the whitewash, and with further Abbot tries from centre Kevin Dennis and another from Jess, the visitors had secured the bonus point before the half-time break.

Despite trailing 36-0, Bracknell did hit back with the final play of the half, new No. 8 Chris Hala’ufia opening his account.

After the break a converted Nick Owens try could not prevent Newton Abbot from amassing a further 31 second-half points, made up of tries for Luke Mingo, Matt Dowrick, Snowdon, Kyle Browne and Dean Avery along with three conversions.

Speaking after the game, Chairman of Rugby Martin Radford admitted: “We missed too many tackles and gave the ball up too easily too many times against one of the better teams I have seen in this league for a few seasons.”

Bracknell go to Bournemouth this Saturday (3pm).