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FIRST VICTORY FOR STROUD NORTH BRISTOL 5 STROUD 24 Stroud travelled to Oaklands last Saturday to play a previously unbeatedn North Bristol side and built on the promise shown the previous week to come away with a convincing win. After a fairly even first quarter in which both teams missed kickable penalties, Stroud took the lead on 24 minutes when good hands kept the ball alive to send the fly half scampering over for an unconverted try. On 40 minutes, after good Stroud pressure, the pack drove over from a 5 metre scrum for Adam Tarplee to secure the touchdown. Ian Bushell added the conversion for a 12-0 lead. As the first half moved into injury time, North Bristol exerted a spell of pressure on the Stroud defence and this eventually paid off in the 6th minute of injury time when scrum half Martin Harrex spotted a gap and raced over for an unconverted try to cut the Stroud lead to seven points at the interval. North Bristol continued to make determined efforts to get back into the game early in the second half but the Stroud defence held firm with Dan Gordon in particular putting in some good tackles. On 58 minutes Judd Martin was replaced by his brother Jake but the scoreline remained the same. Then, on 73 minutes, Stroud gained the vital score when Tarplee made a superb break from the back of a scrum and Jake Martin was on his shoulder to take the pass and cross by the posts for a try converted by Bushell. Two minutes later, Bushell had to leave the field with a blood injury bringing on Lyle Robertson on his return from injury .However, as the game moved into injury time, Stroud put the icing on the cake when another superb break with Gordon prominebt set up another try for Tarplee. The conversion was missed, but Stroud were worthy victors at 24-5 This was a thoroughly convincing performance by Stroud and, if this form can be maintained, they should soon start to climb the table. STAR MAN DAN GORDON Next Saturday, Stroud entertain Thornbury at Fromehall Park, kick off 3-00pm. This date has been set aside for the Vice Presidents lunch when all Vice Presidents and Patrons are welcome to attend at 1-00pm. |