Old Boys given the runaround (From Stroud News and Journal)

Old Boys given the runaround

Gloucester Division One Painswick 60 Ashley Down Old Boys 7 PAINSWICK produced a fantastic performance to beat third place Ashley Down Old Boys and maintain their place at the top of Gloucester Division One.

Wayne Lees team started very strong and within seconds of the kick-off Nathan Bressington ran in a strong try under the posts ably converted by older brother Alistair.

The damp and gloom of a misty winter day were lit up by Stuart Smith, making all the running against determined opposition.

Smith, ever a strong team player, yield the ball for Chris Hall to make the final few metres and score the second try, successfully converted by Ali.

Pace was the name of the game, with the pitch at last able to reflect the strength of the backs, and provide a reasonably firm surface on which to run.

Aussie Smith, on the left wing, swiftly took the opportunity to cross to the right side and run in try number three. Bressington successfully converted, quickly followed by a penalty, to take the score to 24 points.

Russell Sturmey on the right wing adding his own try with powerful run for try number four but Ashley Down provided determined opposition, fighting back as their number 12 ran in a try under the posts which was converted.

Painswicks pack brought composure back to the team, successfully winning the next scrum. Steve Vines instinctively ducked and dived, creating his own path to the line for try number five, successfully converted by Ali Bressington.

The second-half of the game saw some good kicking by Martin Hayward and some good catching by Aussie Smith.

Chris Hall made his second try of the game as the ball popped off the back of a ruck and he dived through.

The ball flowed smoothly as Nathan Bressington made a very strong run down the pitch, only to be stopped from grounding the ball over the line.

Vines seamlessly added his second try as a testimony to his work rate in this game, as the ball popped up and he broke for the line. Ali successfully converted. Strong in depth, Painswick ran out subs Marc Pratt and Tom Russell.

The Bressington brothers ran head to head, as Ali kicked the ball on and both gave chase.

A bounce took the ball in Nathans favour for try number eight.

John Sangiovanni flew with ball down the right wing, making all the running for the final try, just popping it up for Nathan to put down under the posts which was again converted by Ali to make the final score 60-7.

Next Saturday sees Painswick away against Tewkesbury.