RUGBY Western Counties North

Stroud.................32

Chosen Hill FP.......16

STROUD opened the season with an emphatic Tribute Western Counties North victory, writes Sean Moore.

Earlier, Stroud made the initial impact after captain Harry Foote made a fine 30-metre break before being hauled down.

The pack won good ball and fly-half Sam Hester released a quick pass to debutant winger Finlay Sharpe who made a lengthy touchline surge, drew the covering defence and then neatly slipped the ball inside to Pete Sykes who had a clear run to the line. He converted his own try.

Chosen Hill fought back, posing many threats with their powerful impact play - ers and were soon rewarded with a penalty.

Chosen Hill gained some ascendancy and were kept at bay by some doughty Stroud defence and Jordan Phipps in particular impressed with his covering and tackling.

Stroud increased their lead to 10-3 following a further Sykes penalty goal and Chosen Hill scored in a similar vein shortly afterwards.

Just before half-time Chosen Hill deservedly scored a try by their competent fly- half, 10-11.

Phil Fruin left the field injured, to be replaced by Josh Stratton, making a welcome return after his serious injury last season.

Stroud began to expand their game and a loose kick ahead was fielded by Sharpe, who set up Jake Marsh for a long break. He passed to the ever-supporting Harry Phillips who beat his man adroitly to score in the corner, 15-11.

The next try was a beauty. Ollie Smith, making a welcome return to the club, made a huge impact in all aspects of the game. He gathered a loose ball, and slick passing delivered it to Sharpe a long way from the line.

The 17-year-old showed great deception, power and pace to score in the corner a debut try to remember. Sykes converted, making the score 22-11.

A sublime miss pass from Dan Gordon saw Sharpe again showing his paces to score in the corner, 27-11.

Chosen Hill did not capitulate and their very powerful sub was able to barrel his way over despite the attentions of several would-be tacklers, 27-16.

From the kick-off second row Liam Hopkins took a dif - ficult ball well and this again led to pressure on the Chosen Hill line and Stratton scored the final try.

Stroud travel to Cheltenham on Saturday.