BRACKNELL head coach Rory Greenslade-Jones did not know whether laugh or cry after his players left Barnstaple with a nervy draw.

Both sides went into the clash with four wins from their opening five National Three South West games, and there was nothing to separate them on the day.

Liam Prescott kicked Bracknell into the lead and a Joe Price try put the visitors further ahead.

However, a Will Topps’ penalty reduced the gap before the break, and Toby Williamson levelled the scores seven minutes after half-time with a try.

But neither side could find a breakthrough beyond that.

Greenslade-Jones, above, admitted the hosts looked more likely to score the winning points as the game wore on, but paid tribute to his side’s resilient defending.

But there was disappointment among the Bracknell players after the final whistle as they had allowed the match to slip away from them following their early dominance.

“It was a game of two halves,” said Greenslade-Jones. “We led 8-0 but there was a momentum shift. We took our foot off the gas but there were certain things like decisions, half breaks and missed tackles.

“Barnstaple went from playing within themselves to the crowd getting on their side. We were under pressure in that last half hour. We defended admirably and they had a couple of chances to score but couldn’t get over the line.

“The boys were a little disappointed at the end. They thought it was a game we could have won, but that’s rugby and it is about how you react.” Bracknell could have moved second with a win but Greenslade-Jones admitted points away from home are welcome and Barnstaple will now be under pressure for the return fixture.

He is eager for his players to repeat their pre-match preparations and start games in the same manner, but knows they must also reproduce it in the second half.

He added: “The draw was probably a result that we would’ve taken beforehand. Sometimes you have to be thankful for what you’ve got.

“It was one that slipped away but we have to move forward. We warmed up very well and were eager to get on the pitch. It is all about how you turn up and how you prepare yourselves.” Bracknell host Worcester Wanderers at Lily Hill Park this Saturday (3pm ko).

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** BRACKNELL MP Phillip Lee will officially the club's new changing rooms before Saturday's home clash with Worcester Wanderers. **