Westbury-on-Severn 22

Painswick 24

IN a scrappy performance, Painswick fought back well to snatch a bonus point victory.

In an excellent opening, James Harber intercepted a loose pass to race under the posts for a try converted by Craig Mayo.

An astute kick from skipper Mayo was gathered by speedy wing Neil Churchill to score wide out.

Some slick handling then put Shaun Jeffries in for a try converted by Mayo to give Painswick a 19 -0 lead after 15 minutes. The home forward then applied pressure and two missed tackles allowed a easy try. Westbury fought back again when a lineout drive ended in a converted try, to bring the score to 19-12 at half-time. Defences were on top for much of the second-half with man-of-the-match Dan Tanner and Jeffries outstanding for Painwick and scrum-half Nathan Evans kicking well to relieve pressure. Westbury drew level as the game entered the final quarter as their strong scrummaging was rewarded with a penalty try. The introduction of substitutes John Bevan, Paul Watson and Austen Smith gave added zest to the visitors. They soon were awarded a penalty under the opposition posts but skipper Mayo looked for the bonus point try to no avail as Painswick were unable to force their way over.

The game swung to the other end and Westbury took their chance for three points and the lead as they were awarded a penalty. This galvanised Painswick into action and with time running out a series of drives ended with the veteran Smith, making a rare appearance crashing over wide out to the relief of the travelling fans. Although they were not at the best Painswick showed character to fight back and secure five vital points in their push for promotion. They now have a week's break before the eagerly awaited home derby with Cainscross.