Minchinhampton 14 Cheltenham CS 10

Minchinhampton won their first league game at home against Cheltenham Civil Service.

The game got off to a ferocious start with the home side initially enjoying a period of possession but then being forced back into their 22. Hard-hitting defence from the pack and a relentless wall, spearheaded by Joe Langford and Tom Jenns out wide kept the attack at bay for a prolonged period.

Sparked into life by returning youngsters, dynamic scrum half Jack Corry and counter attacking full back Ben Richards, Minch began to looked dangerous early on.

An entertaining first half, despite the 0-0 scoreline, ended on a sour note for both teams as Civil Service had a man red carded for a shoulder to the head of Corry, which unfortunately also ended the influential scrum half's game.

The second half saw a spirited response from the visitors as they broke away twice in the early minutes of the half to score two very well worked tries and take a 10-0 lead.

This shell-shocked the men Minch and their response was a good one. Centre Tim Lee intercepted a pass and after a momentary juggle, he raced away to a try that was converted by Jake Muskett.

The home pack again carried well with some big carries, deft hands and physical clearouts, ably assisted by wing-man, Tom Fitzcharles. With play breaking up- it was Lee who took his chance, spotting a gap 30 metres out and winding his way, untouched to the try line for his and his team's second of the day.

Minchinhapton held on for victory to make it back to back wins. They are now fourth in the Wadworth 6X Gloucestershire North Two table.