Glos Reserve League North Three Old Cryptians II 27 Minchinhampton Rams 27 A HEARTY concoction of young and old Minch Rams players enjoyed an entertaining 27-27 draw against an equally talented Old Cryptians side.

The hosts, knowing their field intimately, pinned Minch back with deep kicks downhill, and the moist and sticky conditions made it difficult for the visitors to make ground.

Crypts scored through their centres and from the kick-off Minch continued their dominance of the scrum and line-out and soon John Sparkhall scored from a strong set piece, aided by storming runs from Fraser Smith, Rich Wood and Ryan Pollard.

Floyd Magson made a couple of sterling runs on the wing and almost had a brace of tries.

Much of Minch's great effort in the forwards was counter-balanced by their tendency to give away penalties and possession. This allowed Crypts to boot the ball deep back into Minch's muddy 22.

However, by half-time Minch were the better side, playing some superb rugby, with Tom Hiatt commanding the middle ground.

Try of the day went to Julian Athawes for his solo pick-up and drive some 15 yards out from the try line.

With Crypts’ backs to the wall, they resorted to uncontested scrums to subdue Minch's escalating power and brought on some quality substitutions that evened the sides out.

Crypts scored a couple of well-worked tries through their three-quarters, however the Rams replied with some great driving mauls which eventually allowed Dan Wood to rampage over.

With Jake Muskett collecting nine kicking points, it seemed the Rams were heading for hard-ought victory; only for Crypts to score in the final minutes for a well-earned draw.