Stroud 15

Matson 26

STROUD were back in action at Fromehall in a top four Western Counties North clash with local rivals Matson.

Stroud hit the ground running - Kurtis Herbert opening the scoring with a well taken penalty kick.

Matson hit back with a try, writes Josh Stratton.

Stroud were more than holding their own at the scrum with the front row of Smith, Fruin and Stratton providing a solid platform for Regan Herbert to make a number of typically strong surges from the base.

Matson were however able to exert greater control on the game and nosed ahead 10-3.

Stroud were up against it and were desperate for some sort of spark to lift the afternoon. This was supplied by strong run from Kurtis Herbert, who took play 30m up field, after being released by Marsh before play was spread back to the left for Leworthy to carry strongly up the middle, forcing Matson into conceding a penalty at the breakdown. Herbert was injured during this phase of play and was replaced in the centre by Brookes. Stroud got back into the game when Brookes ran in under the posts. Hester converted 10-10.

Matson turned the screw in the second half. Marsh was penalised for a high tackle, which resulted in a yellow card. Matson converted the penalty to take the lead again. 10-13. Another penalty increased their lead.

Stroud were further hampered by a harsh yellow card for Phipps for a deliberate knock on.

Matson eventually broke through again when after multiple phases they exploited an overlap on the right to set up their winger to score in the corner. 10-21.

Another score soon followed – after securing the kickoff and a number of forward drives, the Matson centre picked an excellent line and scythed through the defensive line before showing excellent pace to surge over. 10-26.

Stroud never gave up and instantly regained possession after a tremendous leap and catch from Leworthy secured Herbert’s kick-off. Finally, with a bit of go forward ball Stroud were able to show their attacking phases. Firstly, Smith, Foote and Stratton carried into the heart of the defence before Higgins made ground in a slightly wider channel. Forcing Matson into a penalty, Ashenford, once again, took a quick tap and made good ground before offloading to Marsh, who stepped inside two defenders to crash over. 15-26.