BRACKNELL RFC put up a gutsy effort but were ultimately beaten 27-10 by high-flying Dings Crusaders in their National Three South West encounter on Saturday.

The hosts made a fine start at Lily Hill Park as wing Ian Burch rounded off a 14-phase move to put his side 5-0 up inside the opening five minutes.

Dings hit back but Bracknell defended resolutely until their try-line was finally breached on the half-hour mark, wing Marlon Dorsett crossing before Steve Plummer added the extras.

The visitors moved further in front courtesy of a Plummer penalty before the interval, but Bracknell started the second half well and levelled matters when Stuart Mackay dotted down.

However, Dorsett scored a second try – again converted by Plummer – and they went 20-10 ahead when fly half Ben Bolster landed a drop goal on 68 minutes.

The home side rallied and had a chance to cut the gap when they earned a penalty in front of the posts, but Ben Yates was unable to hit the target.

And Dings put the game to bed shortly after when Harry Tovey intercepted a floated pass and raced away under the posts. Plummer added the conversion to complete Bracknell’s misery, although the hosts’ director of rugby Daniel Ap Dafydd was pleased with his side’s commitment.

He commented: “I was immensely proud of all the guys in a green shirt.

“Our defence was mean despite the defeat.”

Bracknell travel to Hornets this coming Saturday (2.30pm).

  • CROWTHORNE RFC produced a brave showing in defeat as they lost 24-12 in their BB&O Premier clash at table-toppers Swindon College Old Boys.

They will hope to return to winning ways when they host Chesham on Saturday (3pm).