BRACKNELL RFC’s South West Premier relegation worries were increased as they were beaten 28-14 at Ivybridge.

Despite playing into a strong wind Bracknell enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, but this was brought to a swift end after 10 minutes when scrum half Ben Watts brushed off a series of attempted tackles from the Lily Hill men to score under the posts. Mitch Pinkus added the extras to make it 7-0.

The away side’s response was immediate, however, as off the top of a line-out, Michael Clarke was at the back of a driving maul to score. Vic Hardwick’s conversion levelled the scores, but as quickly as Bracknell had equalised they were to find themselves behind again.

With the next Ivybridge attack, centre Lewis Paterson broke through the defensive line to dot down before Pinkus was again successful from the tee.

Midway through the half Ivybridge further increased their lead when a turn over at a Bracknell scrum allowed No. 8 Robin Luscombe to virtually stroll unopposed to the line for another converted score.

With five minutes remaining of the half, the intense pressure from the hosts was rewarded with the bonus-point converted try from wing Billy Pinkus.

Bracknell benefited from playing with the stiffening wind in the second half, but they could not turn any territorial advantage into scoreboard points until with 10 minutes of the game remaining Clarke scored from another maul.

Chris Laidler landed the conversion, but Bracknell were unable to find another score which would have meant a vital losing bonus point.

The result leaves Bracknell one place and four points above the relegation spots with three games to go.

It does not get easier for the Lily Hill men as they travel to third-placed and play-off chasing Maidenhead for the final Berkshire derby of the season on Saturday (3pm).

  • LONDON Irish return to Aviva Premiership action when they travel to Harlequins this coming Saturday (3pm).