New year gloom for sorry Stroud (From Stroud News and Journal)

New year gloom for sorry Stroud

South West 2 West Barnstaple RFC 11 Stroud RFC 3

THIS was an unhappy start to the New Year with Stroud losing at Barnstaple. It was never going to be easy with arguably six first team players absent through injury or unavailability, however those stepping up did themselves justice.

Young Colt Ben Corrigan at scrum half had a tormented start, but defied his tender years and inexperience at this level to tackle his heart out all afternoon.

With the wind behind them Stroud got off to a poor start and could easily have been two tries down in the first quarter had Barnstaple themselves taken better advantage of Stroud mistakes. As it was Andy Westley slotted his second penalty attempt to give Stroud what was to prove the only score in the first half.

Barnstaple didn't make much better use of the conditions in the second period either. Their rather one dimensional, but effective play essentially saw the ball driven through their well disciplined pack at most opportunities.

Stand-off Grant Tuhakaraina was a thorn in the side and only good Stroud awareness saw his probing runs halted.

Barnstaple's back line did get their occasional share of the ball but Tarplee and Lyle Robertson covered well and it was left to Andy Wright to slot a brace of penalties that gave Barnstaple the lead. It was a rare sight to see Stroud in the oppositions half.

From each restart Stroud seemed to get possession, but at each ruck the ball popped up on the oppositions side and off went Barnstaple back to camp on Strouds' 22 metre line, which they did for the best part of the second half. Frustrations set in and Tom Burcher was yellow carded for backchat.

Strouds' line was eventually breached in the last quarter with a simple move across the field where Barnstaple out-numbered what defence was left and Lee Evans scored in the corner, despite a hint of crossing.

It just wasn't going to be Stroud's day. A subsequent break from Stewart Cale off the back of a scrum typified their luck as the referee got in the way and brought him down.

So despite tremendous defensive endeavours, especially from the pack, Stroud had nothing to show for their efforts.

* Stroud next entertain Gordon League on January 22. * A players reunion day will take place during the match, all are welcome.