National League Three South West
Bracknell 20
Cornish All Blacks 15
The Cornish All Blacks picked up what could prove to be a crucial losing bonus point in their battle against relegation as they went down at in-form Bracknell, who have now won seven games on the trot.
However, the All Blacks – who welcomed back Fraser Honey at full-back from a broken thumb – were disappointed with their performance and are now eight points adrift of Lydney who won 36-14 at home to Hornets.
The All Blacks took an early lead in Berkshire with a try by fly-half Greg Loydall, but Bracknell moved into a 12-5 advantage, thanks to three penalties and a drop goal by fly-half Chris Laidler, the second penalty coming after a yellow card for centre Ryan Westren for a high tackle.
The All Blacks were also indebted to a try-saving tackle by Loydall during this period.
The visitors had levelled the scores by the break though, with a touchdown from Jordan Duke, converted by Honey, to make it 12-12.
Kim Plant put Bracknell back in front with a try, and Laidler slotted his fourth penalty of the game after a yellow card for All Blacks hooker Fred Bulut.
A Honey penalty five minutes from time, making up for an earlier miss, got the All Blacks within bonus-point range, but they almost saw that slip through their grasp, only for Laidler to squander another penalty chance with the last kick of the game.
The All Blacks have yet another reserve date this weekend, before welcoming Devon rivals Brixham next Saturday to start their final four games of the season.
Cornish All Blacks:
Honey, Kneebone, Westren, Sandercock, Edwards, Loydall, Stevens; Bentham, Bulut, Thomas, Williams, J Duke, Faamatuainu, L Duke, Rowley
Subs: Risdon, Crabb, Dawe
Tries: Loydall, J Duke Con: Honey
Pen: Honey
Bracknell:
Try: Plant
Pens: Laidler (4)
Drop Goal: Laidler