Painswick 31

Cainscross 14

By Richard Barnard

PAINSWICK took the honours with a hard fought win over a plucky Cainscross team who battled well to the end. Playing uphill Matt Higgins put Painswick ahead using his pace to outstrip the defence for a try.

Painswick's backs were working well and James Harber raced over under the posts with Tom Powell adding the conversion. Good interplay then resulted in Higgins scoring his second try with Powell again adding the extras giving the hosts a healthy half-time lead.

Cainscross fought back well using their strong scrum effectively and were awarded a penalty try.

Painswick struggled to gain possession for long periods in the second-half and it was left to man-of-the-match Shaun Jeffries to use his power and pace from no 8 to add two tries with Powell converting one.

Cainscross had the final say when Paul Thomas powered through for a try converted by Max King, Painswick were dragged into a scrappy game as they struggled against a bigger pack and will need to improve on this performance when they travel to league leaders Cheltenham Civil Service this Saturday.