Stroud improve (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud improve

South West 2 West Stroud 12 Brixham 17

SOGGY conditions were never going to allow an expansive game but from the outset Brixham looked to defend rucks and mauls and tackle around the fringes.

Their only potency coming from a couple of speedy backs that saw occasional counter attacks-from deep.

Stroud's pack were stronger and livelier, but lacked a cutting edge while their efforts were hampered by Brixham's front five spoiling so much ball.

Brixham's Matt Dempsey was stretchered off to hospital with a suspected broken leg when a despairing tackle brought him down after an aggressive run.

Stroud did get things going in the second period when their forward superiority eventually told.

Stroud nosed ahead when Adam Tarplee dived on the ball. Andy Westley converted. It looked as if Stroud would soon add to their advantage given the base that the forwards were providing to the backs, especially with the return of Liam Moore at scrum half feeding excellent ball to Steve Thompson. But it all went horribly wrong.

A solid Stroud attack was halted, but in collecting the ball Brixham knocked on. A moments hesitation by Stroud for the whistle gave Brixham sufficient time to release their backs and with Alec Brown given space out wide he sped to the line, Matt Caunter converted.

Almost from the kick off Stroud were caught napping as another breakaway try was scored by Bevan Armitage, again Caunter converted and quickly added a penalty.

The game was reduced to farce, when yellow cards were brandished, one to Stroud's Tom Burcher and three to Brixham's Jason Rowe, Daniel Stead and Brad McEldowney. During this time, Mike D'Silva touched down to reduce the deficit.

Rob Matts and Adam Tarplee excelled, but the whole pack performed really well.

The result means Stroud need to grind out a few wins, with a bit of confidence and polish, they should not be too long in coming given the return of a few players from injury.