Match Reports: Sat 5 Jan 1XV & 2XV
Ross on Wye 27 v 14 Cirencester
#Gloucester1
Cirencester knew ahead of the game that they had it all to do in playing top of the table Ross on Wye who have not lost at home for 2 years. Their optimism was tested early by the home side kicking a penalty 3-0. This shook Cirencester into action as they dominated possession and territory, but Ciren were often wasteful when in possession and not taking their chances when they arose.
Finally, after further pressure the away side got on the score sheet with a try from Matt Berry the Ciren open side bursting over to score the much-deserved try, and Joe Hammond adding the conversion.
Cirencester were defending with great tenacity, showing great spirit and fight. Sometimes their eagerness resulted in penalties, and Ross were awarded their second penalty of the game, 6-7. Ciren once again came surging back with a big forward drive, which the hard-working Ciren prop Gareth Owen broke from to score a very well taken try, with Hammond adding the conversion 6-14.
As the first half came to a close Ross gained field position with a kick to the corner, and with a well worked front peel from the line-out they scored their first try of the game, in the 52nd minute of the first half, making the half time score 13-14.
The second half was no less intense with both sides determined to gain the vital win. But with a second yellow card shown, with a player down Ciren become under increased pressure, which resulted in a converted Ross try 20-14. Ciren now had to dig deep which they duly did with the impressive Ciren eight Alex Hammond cutting a great line from a flat Oli Newman pass to score under the posts, which the referee judged to be forward and no try given. Late on, with Ciren chasing the game, a spilled pass allowed Ross to score their third try. The Cotswold club did deserve something from the game in which they contributed so much.
Hucclecote 2s 7– 36 Cirencester 2XV
Cirencester 2XV travelled away to Hucclecote for the first game of the New Year.
Buoyed by recent results and good numbers they were able to ensure the fixture went ahead by loaning two players from the start of the game and further one once play had started, a big hand to Rich Williams, Tim Woodley and Olli Wagstaff for stepping up to the plate.
Straight from the kick off Hucclecote turned over the ball and started to use their big forwards try and break the Cirencester line leading to early try putting the hosts into seven point lead. However following some sharp words from skipper Neil Owen, the visitors started to take control of possession and worked down field to restore the score to 7 all.
In this second string fixture scrummaging was to the forefront of the game with lots of handling errors from both sides and neither really putting together any continuity. As the game continued it became clear that when the Red & Black controlled the ball they were the fitter side and tries continued to flow throughout the game.
The six tries were scored by Andy Halsey (2), Rhys Owen (2), Andrew Field and Steve Macfarlane.
A great result considering the pre-Christmas break the side now look towards the challenge of continuing their winning run throughout the rest of the year.