Stroud grounded (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud grounded

Western Counties North Stroud 15 Gordon League20

NOT even a passing Parakeet did little to enthuse Stroud as Gordon League took a stranglehold on the game in the second period.

This was a very disappointing Stroud display following an excellent result at St Mary's the previous week.Gordon League looked the hungrier and deservedly took the points on a perfect day for rugby.

Stroud seemed lethargic and allowed Gordon League to get into their stride early following a knock on in the first minute. The packs were pretty evenly matched throughout but Tom Burcher performed very well at loosehead against a seasoned and canny Gareth Williams in League's front row.

Former Gloucester City footballer Gavin Rea slotted the first penalty of the day in the fifth minute soon to be followed by a good try from Dunn when Stroud's defence opened up in midfield, Rea added the extras.

Ten points adrift Stroud had to get going and slowly they clawed their way back, John Farr creating a tempo and rhythm that now put League on the back foot. Julian Harry got his boot working slotting a penalty and with Stroud in full flow it was League who were grafting to shore up the holes.

The pressure eventually told and Giles Potter, who was a noticeable participant all afternoon, got his reward when he forced his way over the line after some hard driving from Stroud's pack.

Harry converted to leave the game even 10-10 at the break, although had it not been for an excellent try saving tackle from Mike Thornley a few minutes earlier it would have been different.

Sadly a passing Parakeet did little to enthuse Stroud as Gordon League took a stranglehold on the game in the second period. Stroud's lineout had not been at its best and with the usual scrum domination nullified by a decent League pack.

Steve Ireland did his best with numerous rampaging runs, but all too often he became isolated and the initiative was lost. Something had to give and did so when one of League's eternity of driving mauls allowed Ian Kennedy to score, Rea made a fine conversion.

Stroud made a late effort to push League back and try to scrap for a result. In fact it became very interesting when Luke Dando squeezed over in the corner, but it was not to be after Rea slotted an intelligently taken drop goal to secure the win.

Stroud have to lick their wounds and recover quickly in finding the kind of form that has been displayed so evidently in Cup matches, Saturdays visit to Whitehall will tell if the attitude of the whole team is right.