MATCH REPORT: Stroud Rugby vs Old Pats II's

Match report by Mark Samak:

Stroud welcomed Old Pats to Fromehall for a top of the table clash with both sides unbeaten so far this season.

Prior to the game, a minute of applause was held to celebrate the life of club stalwart, Keith Fruin who passed away earlier in the year.

Uncertainty from the first kick-off set the tone for an afternoon where Stroud struggled to exhibit control in many aspects of the game. A failure to clear-out at the breakdown, despite a good early surge from Stokes, gave Pats the easiest of opportunities to open the scoring with a penalty from directly in front of the posts. 0-3.

From the re-start, excellent pressure from Voyce and Cremins forced a turn-over. Stroud showed their attacking intent by taking a quick tap – Ashenford and Marsh fed Jamie Leworthy to make good ground up the right before the forwards took over. Pick and goes generated momentum before Ashenford fed Debieux to crash over from 5m. Ashenford converted. 7-3.

Stroud continued to press - the kick-off this time being secured and a solid platform for Fruin initially then Debieux once again to break the advantage line. Ashenford sniped close to the ruck and broke through before kicking ahead. Pats scrambling defence managed to scramble back and eventually clear their lines after brave work from their Full-Back. Voyce found Higgins from the resulting line-out before Cremins carried directly at the heart of the Pats defence before the ball. Going through the phases, Stroud generated momentum before a switch of play from Ashenford released Fruin on the narrow-side to surge in from 20m to score in the corner. 12-3.

Stroud continued to press with Debieux and Cremins leading the forward carries, while Higgins and Stokes were providing possession from the line-out. Unfortunately, Stroud were unable to add to their points tally – refusing points to maintain their high-paced attacking game. Pats defended stoically and their fly-half began to use the wind to force Stroud back into their own 22 with indiscipline at the breakdown costing Stroud territory. Initially, Stroud’s defence was secure with Fruin and Phillips as ever leading the tackle count. Cremins was also getting through his share of defensive work putting in a number of dominant tackles before being unluckily yellow-carded. Pats made the most of this with a clever cross-kick catching Stroud’s defence narrow allowing their winger to cross in the corner. Try Converted 12-10.

Despite being down to 14 men, Stroud continued to press with Sam Leworthy and Toon carrying strongly in the wider channels and again forced a penalty. Again, points were refused as Stroud continued with their adventurous attacking game. Pats were becoming more attuned to this and their defensive line remained solid. An isolated runner allowed Pats to turn over the ball and again their fly-half made use of the elements to drive Stroud back into their own half. The momentum was now clearly shifting and Pats even took a Stroud scrum against the head, eventually releasing their right-winger to show his pace and elusiveness to run in from 30m. Try Converted. 12-17.

Pats continued to assert control adding another penalty shortly before half-time after another transgression at the breakdown. 12-20.

Half Time Stroud Rugby 12 - Old Pats 2ndXV 20

Stroud had the benefit of the wind in the second-half and forced Pats back into their own 22. Debieux and Phillips carried well before once again Stroud ground out a penalty. This time, Stroud curbed their attacking intentions and Ashenford slotted the points to reduce the deficit. 15-20.

The game was now truly on and Stroud continued to look to attack however they were held back by slow ball at the breakdown and the scrummage coming under increased pressure. Penalties were given against both sides: Pats opted for territory and points increasing their lead 15-23, whilst Stroud looked to keep ball in hand. Excellent breaks by first Phillips and the Ashenford looked to have breached the Pats defence but the final pass went to ground and the chance was lost. Pats always looked to spread the ball and freed their winger, with a pass that on other days would have been judged forward. To his credit, he showed great pace and balance to round the covering defence to score in the corner. 15-28.

Old Pats kept the scoreboard ticking over with another well struck penalty after Stroud were penalised for a high tackle. 15-31.
With 10 minutes to go, Stroud pressed but were still unable to exert real control. Ashenford always looked a threat around the fringes, whilst the Leworthy brothers and Toon carried strongly. Stroud continued running penalties and one quick tap and go from Ashenford finally paid dividends when his 40m dash was well supported by Sam Leworthy and a well-timed pass allowed the skipper to cruise in. Ashenford added the extras. 22-31.

Stroud pushed for the losing bonus point, continuing to battle to the end with Voyce, Higgins and Man of the Match Debieux trying valiantly to make inroads. With a final penalty, Old Pats were however able to see out the game.

Full Time Stroud Rugby 22 Old Pats 2nd XV 31

Stroud never quite got onto their stride in this game and were eventually undone by a high penalty count against them. Attacking ambition cannot be faltered and once again Stroud showed they are indeed a force with ball in hand. In hindsight, on occasions this ambition could well have been tempered and territory or the points on offer taken.

Despite the loss, there were still a number of positives with attitudes remaining positive and new recruit Harry Debieux, well-deserving of his Man of the Match award. This however should be a wake-up call for the squad showing that development needs to continue in training and adapting to situations when not performing their best are crucial to push on this season.

Thanks again to the huge support at Fromehall yesterday. It is hoped that this will travel with the team for the short trip to Painswick RFC on Saturday 20th November KO 1430.