STROUD RFC U9’S SHARE HONOURS AT DURSLEY FESTIVAL

On Sunday 10 October 2010 Stroud where pitched in Pool A against Dursley, Old Richians, Longlevens and Cirencester.
Stroud’s first game was against festival hosts Dursley, who quickly showed their strengths and went one try up. Stroud however held their own and came back to level the score before half time. The second half saw many turnovers as both teams looked for the win, Dursley eventually winning the battle with the only try of the second half to win. Dursley 2 - 1 Stroud.
Undeterred by their defeat to Dursley, Stroud picked up their game against Old Richians. This time around Stroud found the form they had lacked in the first game, playing some good running and defensive rugby. This was a tough game for Stroud, but they eventually came through the victors. Stroud 3 - 2 Old Richians.
Next up Stroud faced a strong Longlevens team. The game started off at a quick pace with Stroud scoring an early try. However it was not long before Longlevens fought their way back to level the score in a game that had parents and spectators clapping and cheering at the level of rugby being produced from both teams. Stroud were made to work hard and it was difficult to see which team would take the honours. But after a hard fought 12 minutes it was Stroud that came away with their second victory of the day. Stroud 2 - 1 Longlevens.
Stroud hopes were high going into the final pool game against Cirencester and this showed as they took to the field running. Cirencester had their chances but Stroud’s defence was now organised and solid, and this combined with the power in attack they had developed throughout the day was too much for Cirencester. Stroud 3 - 1 Cirencester.
With only one defeat and the points added up Stroud were declared winners of Pool A, and had an anxious wait whilst the remaining games from the other pool were played out. This saw Hucclecote taking top stop for their place alongside Stroud in the festival final.
On a new pitch in front of the club house and sidelines packed full of equally anxious coaches, parents and spectators the two teams lined up to decide the winner and best on the day. Battle hardened Stroud started the first half the more dominant, but were taken by surprise by a well organised Hucclecote who managed to turn the ball over and were first to reach the try line. The Stroud team dug in and did not allow themselves to lose sight of the game even after Hucclecote breached their try line a second time, but were held up by some intelligent play by Stroud. After a couple of half time changes Stroud came back out believing they could get back at Hucclecote. Again no one was giving an inch and with Stroud’s defence even stronger they kept Hucclecote from their line. In the last quarter of the match Stroud’s persistence paid off when they finally managed to penetrate what seemed to be an unbreakable Hucclecote defence to release a man with a clear run to the try line to level the score. The closing minutes of the game were hard fought and with the whistle signalling the end of the match neither team had managing to score a second. Hucclecote 1 - 1 Stroud.
There was an anxious wait for everyone whilst officials and coaches discussed the situation. The final decision being to reward both teams for their excellent performances and share the festival honours.