Western Counties North - Barton Hill RFC 32 - Stroud RFC 18.

STROUD cannot complain with this defeat against league leaders who showed good resolution in coming back from a 10 - point half- time deficit, writes Andy Toohig.

Stroud were out of the blocks quickly, Josh Lister slotting a second minute penalty for offside. From the restart Barton Hill failed to cover an attack started by Dave Clutterbuck who released Jimmy Sharples but his weaving run was stopped short.

An offload to Clutterbuck was supported by the pack but it was Adam Tarplee who was under the pile as Stroud crossed the line, Lister converted.

Barton Hill responded against a gusty wind and forced a penalty that Richards struck well but Lister was given an easy return when Hill were caught handling at a ruck.

Hill showed plenty of resolve though and pushed Stroud back to their line and converted their pressure into points with a try in the corner from Hopkins.

Not to be outdone Stroud responded and used the wind to good advantage by pinning Hill back frequently. Fine line out work between Hooker Callum Gibbs and James Bashford formed the basis of a series of attacks that led to Stroud's second try scored by Sharples out wide.

At half-time one wondered though if a lead of 18-8 was enough, especially as the referee had earlier red carded Andy Jarrett and Hill's Steer for what was no more than a hand-bagging, but the official felt that after his third blowing of the whistle, and being ignored, he'd had enough.

Stroud had earlier seen Luke Dando leave the field with a nasty mouth injury received in a head on tackle. The loss of these two probably hurt Stroud more by losing quality impact players, and coupled with Hill having the wind advantage Stroud simply never got going.

An early try from May, converted by Richards, dragged Hill into the game. A repeat performance from May and Richards a few minutes later put Hill ahead.

Stroud had their moments but were frustrated by keen tackling and robust defence no better highlighted when Rob Matts was pole-axed by a thundering tackle in midfield when he seemed away. Sharples too almost got clear on a couple of occasions but last gasp challenges snuffed opportunities out.

With Hill dictating matters another score was inevitable and prop James obliged, Richards adding the extras. To rub salt in, Stroud's captain was binned for continually arguing with the official after Stroud appeared to legitimately shove Hill 90 degrees at a scrum but were pinged for deliberately turning.

It really didn't matter though as there was no way back. Richards slotted a penalty late on to give Hill a deserving win leaving Stroud suffering a bad day at the office.

*STROUD have an EDF Cup game against Walcot Old Boys at Fromehall Park on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.