BRACKNELL slipped to third-bottom in the South West Premier table as they suffered a 29-7 defeat at unbeaten league leaders Dings Crusaders on Saturday.

The visitors started badly as Dings opened the scoring on five minutes, full back Ali Duddell finishing off a slick move to make it 5-0.

Bracknell responded and enjoyed some play in the home side’s half, resulting in a penalty attempt that just went wide of the Dings posts.

However, the Lily Hill men suffered a blow when centre Max Edwards, making his debut, had his day cut short by injury, replaced by Vic Hardwicke.

Halfway through the first half Dings extended their lead. From a charged-down kick, Dings were the first to react to a loose ball in the Bracknell try area and scored their second try under the Bracknell posts. Dings captain Steve Plummer converted to put his side 12-0 to the good, and as the rain got heavier, the hosts’ third try came from a catch-and-drive from a line out.

Crusaders continued to move through the gears in the second half, a series of powerful drives ending when second row Gavin Curry crossed to secure Dings a try bonus-point.

The final Dings try of the afternoon was almost a carbon copy of their third try, the forwards driving off a line-out before crossing the line with 20 minutes to go.

Bracknell continued to battle bravely, though, and with five minutes to go they scored a consolation try, centre Peceli Nacamavuto intercepting to score under the Dings posts.

Things do not get much easier for Bracknell as they next host fourth-placed Exmouth on Saturday (3pm).

  • CROWTHORNE remain winless in the BB&O Premier, although they did manage a 17-17 home draw against Bletchley.

The basement boys travel to Chesham on Saturday (3pm).