BRACKNELL RFC saw their outside National Three South West promotion hopes all but ended with a nerve-jangling 22-21 defeat at third-placed Camborne, writes Richard Ashton.

On a sunny afternoon with a breeze blowing across the pitch, Bracknell, playing up the slope, enjoyed all the possession for the first five minutes, forcing a Chris Laidler penalty to give them a 3-0 lead.

Camborne responded with a catch-and-drive down the slope, releasing the ball to their backs for a try by Josh Semmens under the Bracknell posts.

The visitors conceded a further try when a wayward pass popped up to Camborne’s second row Ashley Lawton to score and make it 10-3.

With the Bracknell forwards steadily taking control, some smart recycling saw the ball spread to James Ingle to cross the whitewash, albeit Laidler could not land the conversion.

Camborne hit back, though, and some neat interplay from their back row saw David Mankee add to their lead with their third try, this time the extras being added.

A sniping break and kick ahead by Lewis Franklin saw the Camborne cover just beat him to a try, although two Laidler penalties cut the gap to 17-14 at the break.

With Bracknell enjoying the slope, they opened the second half scoring and took the lead with a Dom Rice try. The conversion by Tony Lawless, who had temporarily taken over kicking duties while Chris Laidler was off the field, was successful to put the Lily Hill men 21-17 to the good.

With Camborne reduced in numbers, Bracknell missed a penalty to extend their lead, and they then lost Kim Plant to the sin-bin as the game became 14-a-side.

Jasper Miranda was also yellow carded and Camborne took full advantage of their superior numbers and a fine run by full back Rhys Brownfield resulted in a fourth try for the Cornishmen.

Bracknell had several phases in Camborne’s 22, but their defence held and a missed attempt at a drop goal by Bracknell was the last play of the game.

Bracknell host Bromsgrove this coming Saturday (3pm).

  • CROWTHORNE RFC suffered their biggest BB&O Premier defeat of the season as they were thrashed 52-14 at Drifters.

The result secured promotion for the second-placed side, while Crows are sixth in the table.

Crowthorne host Hungerford, who sit one place above them, on Saturday (3pm).