Stroud RFC U8's - County Cup

Stroud Under 8’s went to Widdon Old Boys knowing they faced an extremely tough challenge after undoubtedly being placed in the most difficult group for the County Cup.  A fantastic performance saw the team progress to the Semi Finals of the Plate Competition after they finished an admirable third in their Group. 

The first two games saw two draws against Old Richians and Chipping Sodbury.  The Old Richians game ended 15-15 with a long range effort from Harry Lightfoot , a try from Chris Lusty and Harry McNeil finishing off a great move. 

In the second game Stroud fell behind but recovered well to draw 20 – 20 versus Chipping Sodbury. Tries in this game came through a fine brace from Matt Cullimore, a fantastic long range run from Harry Lightfoot, and Paddy Shipton who finished off a great move.

Stroud’s next two games saw them face to the two tournament favourites in Cirencester and Hucclecote A.  Despite this Stroud put in two of their best performances of the season going down 30-20 and 40-30 respectively, after giving both teams a real scare. Tries in these two games came through Ethan Seville, Harry Lightfoot, Chris Lusty and Paddy Shipton.  Great support play was provided through Libs Travis, William Frusher and Spencer Hill. 

The final group game was against Frampton Cotterill where victory was vital in order for the team to progress.  In a nervous game Stroud edged it with a fine comeback that saw them win 20-15 after being 10-0 down.  Fine tries from Harry Lightfoot(2), Sam Hanahoe and Matt Cullimore saw Stroud through.  Harry Ireland was instrumental in several of these moves.

Having qualified for the Plate quarter final Stroud met Cheltenham and quite clearly had saved the best to last as they cruised to a 30-15 victory.  In another display that was dominated by their fine team work Stroud scored 6 magnificent tries with Sam Hanahoe and Harry Lightfoot adding to their tallys with some great long range efforts that saw them leave the Cheltenham defence in their wake.  Sam Hanahoe scored a fine hatrick with Harry Lightfoot getting another 2 great tries and Matt Cullimore rounding off the scorers.