Stroud returned to Fromehall for the first time in a month, looking to extend their unbeaten run against local rivals, Minchinhampton. A cold but dry evening, the pitch in great condition for the time of year and a sizeable crowd under the lights set the scene for some great local rugby.

1 Dan Smith 2 Tom Stone 3 Tom Allen 4 Chase Stokes 5 Ben Baldwin 6 Phil Fruin 7 Tom Flanagan 8 Zinzan Cremins 9 Joe Ashenford 10 Joe Hoyle 11 Matt Collins 12 Sam Leworthy (Captain) 13 Ben Wilkes 14 Peter Sykes 15 Sam Hester
16 Kieran Rodway 17 Sam Davies 18 Spike Parsons

Early pressure from Minchinhampton forced a knock-on despite Baldwin initially securing the kick-off and early phases being built. Pressure at the scrum disrupted the Minch ball but possession was secured long enough for Stroud to transgress at the breakdown and offer the visitors the opportunity for an early lead. The kicked drifted wide – an early let-off for Stroud.
Stroud began to work through phases with Cremins, Smith and Fruin carrying strongly in the narrower channels before Ashenford and Hoyle spread the ball wider. Scrambling defence were caught offside and Stroud kicked for the corner. A secure take from Stokes looked to have set the platform for a forward drive however Minch held firm. A further penalty resulted in Stroud taking the scrum however their blindside move was well defended. Stroud pressure eventually told when another secure line-out take from Stokes enabled Ashenford to spread play to the backs. Hoyle found Sykes coming around from the blind side wing to create the overlap. Excellent hands from Sykes and Hester freed Collins to dive over in the corner. 5-0.

Expansive play from Stroud created three more scores in the first 25 minutes. Hester and Sykes combined on the right with excellent handling and elusive running. Kicking ahead, the chase was excellent and forced an error, which was capitalised on by Sykes to kick on again and touch down to score. Hester converted. 12-0.

The next score was possibly the try of the game. A bulldozing run from Cremins from the kick-off took play a full 50m upfield, powering through multiple defenders to give the home side massive momentum. Quick ruck ball, courtesy of excellent support play from Flanagan and Fruin, enabled Ashenford to release the backs. Accurate handling from Hoyle, Leworthy and Wilkes released Collins to race in for his second. Hester converted. 19-0.

Every time the ball went wide, Stroud looked dangerous and another try quickly followed as accurate handling and pace took play 70m upfield before Hester crossed. 24-0.

Despite Stroud being very much in the ascendancy out wide, the forward battle was being much more closely fought with Minch competing well at set piece and in the close quarter carries. Multiple penalties at the breakdown put Stroud under pressure and despite holding out the initial line out drive, Minch drove over from close range for a well-deserved score. 24-5.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was an attritional affair, both sides conceding penalties in and around the breakdown area. The set piece continued to be well contested with both sides achieving their successes. Cohesion and fluency were at a minimum with the referee’s whistle being prominent however Stroud continued to look dangerous if they could get the ball wide.

Leworthy and Wilkes again showed excellent handling to again release Collins and he showed his pace to cross out wide. Excellent conversion from Hester. 31-5.

The penalty count was racking up against Stroud and Minch exploited this. First kicking into the 22 and driving well off the back of a lineout before a further Stroud transgression was punished with a quick tap and go to crash over. Try Converted. 31-12.

This score seemed to galvanise Stroud, excellent pressure from Parsons, on his home debut, forced an error, which was capitalised on with a strong carry up the middle through Wilkes. The ball went wide however a rare handling error coughed up a scoring chance. Stroud however were not to be denied for long and an excellent lineout steal enabled the backs to exploit space in front of them with Hoyle feeding Leworthy and a delayed pass from the captain again freeing Collins to sprint in again at the corner. 36-12.

Baldwin again secured the kick off and set the platform for the next Stroud attack. Excellent handling from Allen fed his fellow prop Smith for a powerful 30m surge up the middle. Cremins continued the momentum carrying at the heart of the Minch defence before once again the backs took over and Hester evaded a covering tackle before racing in from 30m. Hester Converted. 43-12.

The final 10 minutes once again involved a number of turnovers with Minch continuing to compete well at the breakdown and disrupt Stroud’s phase play. One turnover was instantly kicked away and Hester as ever returned the ball with interest. Stroud forced their own turnover before quick hands from Hoyle and Wilkes exploited wide open space and allowed Collins to run in and around under the posts for yet another score. Hester converted to complete the scoring. 50-12.

Full Time Stroud 50 Minchinhampton 12

Man of the Match: Matt Collins

This was another entertaining display from Stroud – the efficient handling and evasive running of the back division was at the forefront of the play however credit should as ever be given to the forwards whose development over the course of the season has been marked. Stroud are on the road for their last two games of 2022 and look to continue their push at the top of Counties 3 North when they visit Norton RFC next Saturday.

A huge thank you to all the support the team have received both home and away this year – the team look forward to returning to Fromehall in the New Year.