Stroud fail to fire (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud fail to fire

Western Counties North Stroud RFC 7 Walcot Old Boys RFC 18

THIS was a rotten result for Stroud on the back of such a well oiled performance the previous week against decent opposition.

The usual forays into each others half suggested nothing but composure, however Stroud simply went to sleep and didn't even start to defend an early attacking Walcot lineout. The ball was simply tossed five metres to Dave Ayres who strolled over as Stroud thought about gathering for the throw.

Stroud attacked, but Walcot are a well organised side that think about their defence and kept Stroud out. Even a couple of eight man shoves brought no joy as basic errors saw possession lost.

Walcot however carried their luck and another try was notched by Neal Meade from what was probably their only second serious foray deep into Stroud territory.

Stroud continued to pressurise but Walcot worked hard to defend and simply let Stroud make a meal of their own opportunities, or give referee Paul Dix too many simple decisions to make.

Walcot deserved their 10-0 half time advantage. The next score was important, and Walcot put together the first decent flowing move that had try stamped all over it. Again Meade made Stroud suffer, but Ian Blake added a penalty to make the game safe.

Stroud had their best ten minutes towards the end when Lyle Robertson scored, Hopson converted. Shortly later Ed Crampton almost got away from the Walcot defence that might have led to an interesting finish, but good cover stopped him.

* STROUD travel to Cheltenham North on Saturday.