BRACKNELL suffered a second consecutive South West Premier defeat as they went down 35-3 at last season's runners-up Barnstaple Chiefs.

On a glorious afternoon, Bracknell began brightly, albeit they fell behind to a Jake Murphy penalty after 15 minutes.

On the half-hour mark Barnstaple scored their opening try, flanker Winston James finishing off a backs move from a scrum.

The teams exchanged penalties before a catch-and-drive off a line-out secured James his second try of the afternoon, Barnstaple going into the interval with a 20-3 advantage.

An early Barnstaple penalty extended their lead before No. 8 Jake Childs, picking up off a scrum, scored Barnstaple’s third try of the afternoon.

The Chiefs' bonus-point try came from James as he completed his hat-trick following a drive from the Barnstaple pack.

Bracknell now have a week off before they face Brixham at Lily Hill Park on Saturday, September 28.

CROWTHORNE enjoyed their return to league action with a 31-22 Berks/Bucks & Oxon South Two victory at Berkshire Shire Hall.

The Crows travel to Windsor 3rds this coming Saturday (3pm).

LONDON Irish lost their only pre-season friendly 45-5 at Munster on Friday night.

Exiles put in a gritty display, ensuring the hosts only led 7-0 at the break, the points coming from a Dan Goggin try and Tyler Bleyendaal's conversion.

With both sides almost completely changed at the interval, Jack O'Sullivan crossed for Munster before JJ Hanrahan added the extras.

Irish hit back, however, with Matt Williams crossing the whitewash.

However, that was as good as it got for Declan Kidney's men, further tries from Mike Haley, Goggin, Hanrahan, Diarmuid Barron and Liam Coombes adding a further gloss to the scoreline for the home side.

London Irish begin their Premiership Rugby Cup this coming Saturday with a trip to Gloucester.