Match Report: Stroud Rugby vs Minchinhampton RFC

By Mark Samak

Stroud ran out at Fromehall Park for the first time in 18 months. Torrential rain didn’t dampen the spirits as a good-sized crowd gathered for the first local derby of the season.

Stroud kicked off and immediately applied pressure inside the Minchinhampton half. The wet conditions were always going to inhibit wide expansive rugby and Minchinhampton relied predominantly on forward runners in the narrower channels. Stoud’s defence was extremely solid and limited any significant yardage gains from Minchinhampton. Phillips and Higgins were instrumental in coordinating the defensive efforts but were ably supported by Cremmins and Clark, whose turnover led to the first sustained period of possession for Stroud. Carries from Rodway and Warner gave momentum before Ashenford freed the backs for the first time. Fine handling in the conditions from the Leworthy brothers freed Taylor on the right wing, who surged into the 22. Phillips and Clark showed strength in contact to gain dent the defensive line before Ashenford found Marsh hitting an inside line to crash over close to the posts. Ashenford converted 7-0.

The lineout was functioning well with Voyce regularly finding Stokes and Higgins however the scrummage was often under pressure with Higgins often having to work hard to secure ball at the base. Stroud’s attacking intent could not be dampened by the rain and the forwards and backs again combined for the next score. Strong direct running in the centre from Jamie Leworthy took play up to halfway before Fruin and Phillips carried strongly. Marsh and Sam Leworthy combined to again release Taylor, whose asute kick ahead caused the defence to turn be put under pressure. Great work at the breakdown retained the ball before Marsh found Sam Leworthy on his shoulder and the skipper crossed for the second week running. Ashenford converted. 14-0.

Stroud looked to attack from the deep kick off with Marsh and Baker (who replaced Bonham at Full-Back and had an excellent game despite being played out of position) showing excellent hands to put Strange into space on the left. The winger again kicked ahead making significant ground and although the ball was not regained, solid follow up work gave Stroud a lineout inside the 22. The Voyce- Higgins link again functioned efficiently before Cremmins hit the line at speed to give real momentum. Ashenford, as alert as ever, sniped close to the ruck and combined with Phillips, who was dragged down 5m out. Speed of ball again proved crucial as Ashenford found Marsh, who stepped two defenders to score. Ashenford Converted. 21-0.

The speed of ball at the breakdown was crucial but as with last weeks game was inconsistent with Stroud still on occasions being turned over with runners becoming isolated. One such turnover however was quickly recovered by excellent work from Fruin and Clark. As the ball was spread wide, a sublime show and go from Marsh put the Fly-Half into the open space and a combination of speed and a final step of the Full Back allowed him to cross for his Hat-Trick. Ashenford again converted as the Half Time whistle blew. 28-0.

Half Time Stroud 28 Minchinhampton 0

The start of the second half was punctuated with a number of handling errors and Minchinhampton again putting the Stroud scrum under pressure. The Stroud defence was however still secure and repelled whatever Minchinhampton through at them. The Leworthy brothers were at the forefront of this and one turnover orchestrated by them set up carries by Cremmins and Rodway before the brothers combined again with Sam offloading, after a trademark fend for Jamie to surge over from 30m. Ashenford continued his 100% record with the boot. 35-0
Ashenford was a constant threat close to the ruck and was also showing his defensive prowess with a number of turnovers. From one penalty, Stroud kicked into the 22 and Voyce found Higgins with another accurate throw. Although, the drive was initially stopped, the forwards continued to dictate and pick and goes from Warner and Stringer provided the platform for Clark to crash over. Ashenford converted. 42-0.
If anything, Stroud were maybe guilty of trying to play too much rugby in the conditions and a handling error in the shadow of their own posts allowed Minchinhampton to gain possession before spreading the play wide for their winger to cross in the right corner. 42-5.
The Stroud forwards really got through their share of work but were led admirably by the evergreen Phillips, whose constant desire to carry, ability to break through the advantage line and immense work rate deservedly gave him the Man of the Match accolade. One such Phillips burst set the platform for Stroud controlling up to 10 phases to take the ball deep into Minchinhampton’s 22. Cremmins and Rodway were also to the fore as Stroud earnt a scrummage 5m out. Despite being under pressure for most of the afternoon, some on field re-organisation led by Fruin gave Stroud the final word with a tremendous eight-man surge and allowed Cremmins in dot down for the final try of the afternoon. Ashenford completed an unblemished afternoon from the tee by slotting his toughest kick of the afternoon.

Full Time Stroud 49 Minchinhampton 5

So, after 603 days, rugby had returned to Fromehall and the sizeable crowd witnessed a really promising display from Stroud. The attacking intent and defensive fortitude developed from the previous week to gain another morale boosting win. This team is by no means the finished article and hard yards at training lay ahead as the squad look to continue to push forward in the upcoming months. Huge thanks to all who provided support for the team, it was great to see support from all ages, back at Stroud.

Next Fixture v Newent 2nd XV (Away) Saturday 9th October. KO 1500.