Stroud 30 Old Redcliffians 8

STROUD finally achieved their second league win of the season against a spirited Old Redcliffians side.

The opening score came when a Redcliffians flanker broke too early from a scrum and Julian Harry slotted the resulting penalty. However, Redcliffians took the lead when they reacted quickest to a loose ball behind the Stroud try-line and secured the touchdown, the conversion was missed.

Stroud continued to give penalties away and had a lucky escape when referee Brian Ravenhill gave an extra ten metres for backchat and Redcliffians missed from a kickable position.

Soon after, however, Stroud were penalised for hands in the ruck and Redcliffians flicked the penalty to take an 8-3 lead.

Stroud were dominating the scrums but the only time Redcliffians were put under pressure was when a scything run by Lyle Robertson took him deep into their 22 metre area. Stroud continued to make mistakes which kept them pinned in their own half, but when they were awarded a penalty John Farr took a quick one and moved the ball deep into the Redcliffians' half. Redcliffians were penalised for not releasing the ball and Harry kicked the penalty to reduce the deficit to two points.

Just before half-time Stroud were reduced to 14 men when Jesse Owens was yellow-carded for foul play.

Stroud started the second half better and another good run by Robertson was spoiled when the ball was spilled forward. Stroud eventually took the lead when Harry kicked his third penalty of the game.

The home team then had to use their three substitutes with Dave Sharpe, Steve Ireland and Rob Matts replacing Andy Jarrett, Dave Clutterbuck and John Farr.

This also resulted in some positional changes but any fears were soon dispelled when Stroud scored the try of the match.

Rob Davey won a lineout and Steve Ireland secured good possession, the ball was moved to Lyle Robertson and he made another good break with Ed Crampton on hand to take the scoring pass and cross by the posts, Harry converted.

Stroud were now controlling the game and from a five metre scrum they pushed Redcliffians over their line only for the scrum to collapse. The scrum was reset but when the same thing happened again referee Ravenhill had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which Harry converted.

Stroud continued to dominate and it was no surprise when Crampton broke through for another try which Harry again converted. Redcliffians tried to hit back but Stroud's defence held firm and they were able to play out time without being put under too much pressure.