Minchinhampton U15's 12

Stroud U15's 10

IN A TENSE and hard-fought local derby Minch edged a victory against a strong and committed Stroud side.

The game was incredibly close throughout and early Minch territory counted for nothing as Stroud proved to be the more opportunistic team scoring the first of two well worked tries when a quick break was moved through a few phases and Toby Bruton scored in the corner.

The second try was very well constructed and was the result of strong and direct running which exposed some poor Minch tackling and culminated in a good try from Elliott Gardner.

With Stroud in the ascendancy it was crucial that Minch got on the scoreboard.

As half time approached Minch pushed on and finally found the space to beat a doughty Stroud defence when James Clements ran in a fine try in the corner for 5-10.

The second half was just as keenly contested and proved to be just as close.

Two really good sides battled out a war of attrition with Minch having the better of both territory and possession but with Stroud never looking anything but dangerous.

The only score of a fiercely fought second half came from a sustained period of Minch forward possession which Stroud defended superbly.

Eventually the ball was carried wide and winger Ky Hall scored in the corner to tie the match.

Minch elected to use the big boot of Liam Nash who converted from close to the touchline to take Minch into the lead.

Several substitutions, some of them forced, did not make any impact on what was a marvelous contest.

The game ended with a relieved Nick Frank kicking into touch and Minch recording the very narrowest of victories.

Stroud standouts were the excellent Toby Bruton, the combative Ben Wilkes and a great Captain's game from Pat Courts who stole a number of balls in the tackle and led from the front.

Minch also had a number of stars with Danny Grant, Will Coles and Quinn Leadbeater to the fore.

Wonderful game of rugby well marshalled by the ref Richard Stonebridge who kindly stood in at the last moment. Both teams should be proud of their performance.

Man of the Match: Will Coles