Stroud............... 15

Matson.............. 54

STROUD were well beaten in their County Cup clash against Matson.

Overall they showed greater commitment and passion and displayed excellent rugby skills, playing in a very high tempo Japan-like fashion.

The game got off to a frenetic start and both sides exchanged early penalties.

Excellent line kicking by Sam Hester and Dan Gordon gained valuable yards and the pack were holding their own in the scrums.

Stroud went a man down after player-coach Sam Viggers was sin-binned, and the Gloucester side scored 12 points in his absence.

The visitors added to the scoreline with a well-executed catch and drive, and doubled their lead directly from the resulting kick-off.

Matson added another try on the cusp of the break to post a 29-3 lead.

Stroud began the second half in a much more forthright fashion.

They were rewarded with a try following a catch and drive with Josh Stratton being the one to touch the ball down over the line.

Stroud repeated the tactic on the other side of the field and this time hooker Tommy Allen claimed the try.

However, despite their comeback, Matson were scoring freely and their speedy right wing claimed two tries following some textbook passing moves.

By the end of the match, Stroud were left shell-shocked after being well-beaten by an exuberant Matson side who maintained their jinx over Stroud.

Stroud host Whitehall in the league on Saturday.