Painswick............................................17

United Bristol Hospitals..........................29

PAINSWICK battled hard, but were beaten by undefeated United Bristol Hospitals.

Playing downhill in squelchy conditions, United Bristol applied early pressure, but missed a penalty chance. Painswick defended well for 15 minutes with their scrum pushing back their opponents on numerous occasions.

However, a mistake when in possession from the home team allowed the opposition centre to race through for a converted try. Slick handling from the backs then extended their lead to 12 with an unconverted try before half-time.

Playing down the slope, Painswick fought back well at the start of the second-half and a strong line out drive ended in big John Bevan touching down for an unconverted try.

Painswick then missed a penalty kick for touch and they were punished as Bristol notched a converted try. With Bevan to the fore with a storming run, Shaun Jeffries crashed over for a try, which was converted by skipper Craig Mayo. Bevan was then sent to the bin for a high tackle and the students took advantage when local cricket star Keiran Smith outstripped the home defence for a try under the post.

Painswick fought back again and a cross kick from Mayo was gathered by full-back Dom Barnard who fell over the line to score.

With Painswick looking set for at least a losing bonus point they were harshly penalised for offside in midfield and from the ensuing lineout Bristol drove over for a try in the final seconds of the game.

Painswick can take heart from a good effort especially from the forwards where the scrummage was again outstanding but were beaten by a well organised team who were smarter to react to to the referee especially at the breakdown. They can now look forward to their push for promotion at Westbury-on-Severn on Saturday.