Slow start causes uphill struggle for Stroud.

Match report from Mark. Apologies for any inaccuracies, I can’t watch, write and shout at the same time. (Multi-Tasking Never!!)

Stroud travelled to Cirencester with reduced numbers at the start of the Half Term holiday. The backs in particular were affected with no back replacements available and having to take Laurie out of the pack for a morning on the wing. Thanks to Laurie and also Archie C. (Flash) for stepping in at #10 due to unavailability of both Will H and Alex.

Forwards – Liam, Orgy, Harry, Jamie, Will T, Jed, Lucas, Stoner, Eddie, Callum.
Backs – Hilly, Flash, Dave, Arthur, Laurie, Archie E, Joe.

The game kicked off with Cirencester having the benefit of the slope and a significant breeze. An early drive from Stoner and some recycled ball allowed progress up the slope however after 2 phases a Cirencester turnover allowed their sizeable forward pack to make good ground through a number of powerful drives. This coupled with some less than effective first up tackling allowed Cirencester to make further ground and eventually release their winger, who scored despite not being too sure about the pitch boundaries (Fair shout though, he was free and clear.) 5-0.

Stroud secured the kick–off and made ground with swift handling allowing Dave to loop Laurie and kick ahead. A good chase caused disruption, however a knock on stopped any forward momentum. The next phases of the game were dominated by a very powerful Cirencester scrummage, which not only won their own ball but also took some scrums against the head. More loose tackling in the middle of the park allowed Cirencester to drive forward and score. 10-0.

Stroud were now starved of possession and Cirencester continued to dominate up front and scored two more tries in quick succession. 20-0. Determined tackling from Stoner, who had stepped out into the centre due to an injury to Arthur and Dave and some quick hands from Hilly and Flash did give a brief glimpse of what Stroud were truly capable of but unfortunately these incidents were few and far between in the first half. Cirencester continued to dominate possession but excellent work at the breakdown from Orgy and Harry allowed the ball to go right and Dave to burst through a number of Cirencester tackles and offload to Archie E., who was unlucky to be halted just short of the line. From a Cirencester free tap (lineout) they spread the ball wide to run in the final try of a disappointing first half for Stroud.

HALF TIME: CIRENCESTER 25 STROUD 0

The Half-Time team talk was focused on producing a response and Stroud certainly did. With the benefit of the slope Stroud kicked off and an excellent chase and work at the breakdown from Eddie and Orgy allowed quick ball from Hilly, confident passing from Flash and Joe released Dave who squeezed in at the corner after a few solid handoffs. 25-5.

Stroud visibly lifted from this, secured the kick off and a great forward drive from Liam put Stroud back on the front foot. Solid work from Jamie and Will allowed the ball to be moved left and Laurie to make yards along the touchline. Despite being tackled support was good, the ball recycled and Arthur (just returned to the field) powered over from close range. 25-10.

Cirencester were not finished though and more powerful bursts up the middle allowed space out wide and despite last ditch tackling efforts their winger crossed in the right corner. 30-10.

Cirencester continued their forward momentum although Stroud were now maintaining parity within the scrums. From one scrum Joe made excellent ground but some hesitant rucking allowed Cirencester to turn the ball over and put more pressure on the Stroud line. A long clearance kick from Dave, bought some time but more loose tacking allowed Cirencester to drive forward and crash over from short range. 35-10

Stroud however to their credit did not lie down and more determined driving work by Liam pushed Stroud on. Flash made two excellent breaks from #10 and was unlucky on both occasions to be felled by the Full-Back. Good defensive work from Harry aided by Callum forced a Cirencester knock on that was capitalized on by Dave who ran in from half way. 35 -15

Straight from the kick-off, Stoner (now returned to #8) showed excellent pace to scorch along the touchline and out flank the cover defence. 35-20

The game became scrappier as both teams visibly tired. Some loose work at the breakdown allowed Cirencester to regain possession after another strong run from Liam. Scrambling defence from Archie E and Joe stopped the winger but Cirencester moved the ball well and despite being initially stopped short ploughed over for the final try of the game.

FULL TIME: CIRENCESTER 40 STROUD 20

Sporting handshakes from both teams followed and a more positive feeling emerged amongst the Stroud ranks after installing some pride back into the shirt in the second half.

After a comfortable win against Dursley last week, this was a crucial lesson for the boys in playing from the first whistle and matching the determination of the opposition from the off. As ever we move on as a team, take the positives and focus on the areas we need to improve.

Many thanks to the Cirencester players, referee and coaching staff for the game and Cirencester in general for their hospitality and food provided.

Man of the Match. Chosen by the referee – Dave.

Thanks for all the continued support and commitment from both parents and players alike. See you all next week for training (I think!). Russ will be back with match report next time.