Wick delight (From Stroud News and Journal)

Wick delight

Minety 19 Painswick 22

PAINSWICK moved into the second round of the Stroud Combination Senior Cup with a hard-fought victory over Minety on Saturday.

Minety, who play in a league above Painswick, were leading 19-7 at the interval but came under a barrage from Painswick in the second half and couldn't hold out for victory.

Painswick started strongly and were rewarded when hooker Matt Coombs crossed for a try in the first ten minutes, Craig Mayo added the extra points.

However, Painswick seemed to sit back and allow Minety to get a foothold in the game. It was no surprise when the home side drew level and eventually took the lead with two converted tries. On the stroke of half-time they increased their lead with a try to leave them leading 19-7.

After a stern half-time lecture from coach Ian Maller Painswick came out with renewed vigour and it wasn't long before they reduced the deficit with a try from full-back Ewan Craig.

With Minety's pack beginning to tire Painswick's forwards started to dominate the game, with their pick and drive tactics, and they were rewarded when prop and skipper Ben Pollard crashed over.

Now only trailing by two points Painswick continued the pressure and thought they had taken the lead when winger James Wynn crossed, but the referee was unsighted. Next fly-half Mark Bragg also had a try disallowed.

However, with only five minutes remaining flanker James Reed went over for the winning try.

This weekend Painswick return to Glos Premier League action when they entertain Barton Hill at Broadham Fields, kick-off 2.30pm. Painswick United 17 Tetbury 1st XV 14

THE United put in an excellent team performance to overcome Tetbury first XV on Saturday.

Tetbury, who are coached by former Welsh international Mark Ring and play in Gloucester Division Three, should have been favourites to win this match against Painswick, but they came up against a very strong and committed Painswick side ably led by skipper Julian Mitchell.

Tom Medicroft and Will Partridge (making his debut) dominating the lineouts, however it was Tetbury who scored first with a converted try .

United reduced the deficit when they drove the Tetbury eight over their own line and Graham Ponting touched down.

More pressure from the United forwards resulted in a penalty, instead of kicking the points they opted for a scrum, from which centre John Sangiovanni crashed over to give them the lead.

At the start of the second half centre Chris Coombs increased their lead with a try after good interplay between forwards and backs, fly-half Nick Rogers duly adding the extra points.

As expected Tetbury hit back with another converted try from Ring, but the United's defence held firm to secure an excellent victory.

Star player: Wayne Vizor.

* This weekend the United are back in Merit Table action when they tackle leaders Cheltenham North, kick-off 2pm, at Broadham Fields.

* Fixtures for Saturday: Painswick 1st XV v Barton Hill (Glos Premier, home, kick-off 2.30pm, meet 1pm, shirts and ties); Painswick United XV v Cheltenham North (Merit Table, home, meet 1pm, kick-off 2pm, shirts and ties).

* Teams selected after training on Tuesday evening. Any problems contact Kev Harris on 07968400037 or Julian Mitchell on 07747600764.