Painswick on the edge of silverware (From Stroud News and Journal)

Painswick on the edge of silverware

Tewkesbury 7 Painswick 26

PAINSWICK progressed into the semi-final of the Cheltenham Combination Senior Cup with a hard fought victory over Tewkesbury on Saturday, they now await the winners of Cheltenham and Cheltenham North to see who they will face at home on Tuesday, April 11 (kick-off 6pm).

Painswick started strongly and were rewarded when skipper Matt Coombs landed a penalty after three minutes. However Tewkesbury hit straight back when their elusive full-back joined the line and raced over for a converted try.

This score stung Painswick into life with their forwards starting to boss proceedings with their effective pick and drives and catch and drives at the lineout where second-rows Russell Thornton and Rob Hussey were dominant.

Their excellent work was finally rewarded when Coombs slotted over two penalties to put Painswick back in front. Just before the interval winger James Wynn raced over for a try after a flowing three-quarter move to put Painswick in the driving seat.

Playing against the strong wind in the second half, Painswick's forwards kept it tight and kept the pressure on Tewkesbury, releasing the ball to their backs at the right time.

This resulted in tries for centre Jake Saunders and Wynn who scored his second of the afternoon, with Coombs adding one conversion to complete the scoring.

* PAINSWICK returning to Glos Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to face Drybrook, kick-off 2.30pm.

* FIXTURES for Saturday (March 25): Painswick 1st XV v Drybrook (Glos Premier, away, meet 12.30pm, kick-off 2.30pm, shirts and ties). Painswick United XV v Hucclecote (Merit Division Two, home, meet 1pm, kick-off 2.30pm).

Teams selected after training on Tuesday evening. Any problems please contact Kev Harris on 07977111876 or Julian Mitchell on 07747600764.