IAN Burch scored a memorable hat-trick as Bracknell RFC climbed to fifth in the National Three South West table following a 29-15 home win against Bromsgrove on Saturday.

The visitors opened the scoring with an early penalty, but Bracknell hit back with an unconverted Burch try to take a lead they would not surrender.

With light rain falling, more sustained Bracknell pressure resulted in another Burch try, cutting a great line through the Bromsgrove defence. Chris Laidler’s conversion was successful and his penalty then took the score to 15-3. Just before the half-time break Bromsgrove had centre Sam Bastock sent to the sin-bin.

With Bromsgrove reduced in numbers, a mix-up in midfield saw Ben Sanderson through break to score, Laidler’s conversion making it 22-3.

With 30 minutes gone Bracknell secured their bonus-point try and Burch’s (pictured right) hat-trick score, following a mazy run by him through the Bromsgrove defence. Laidler converted, and while Brosmgrove did score two tries of their own through Tom Hardwick and Bastock, they did not threaten a remarkable comeback.

Head coach Daniel ap Dafydd said: “I thought we looked tired, but I’m happy to get back to winning ways with a bonus point. I’m already looking forward to next season with this group of players.”

Bracknell travel to Newton Abbot this Saturday (3pm).

  • CROWTHORNE RFC suffered a 26-12 defeat to Hungerford as they dropped to seventh in the BB&O Premier table. They visit Phoenix on Saturday (3pm).