Rugby ‘Mouth weather the Stroud storm to claim victory
AFANTASTIC defensive display earned Avonmouth a 29-24 victory over Stroud at Barracks Lane.
Dan Cox’s team, who are sixth in Western Counties North, had to weather the Stroud storm in the closing stages, but they hung on to keep the pressure on the leading teams in the league. Another plus for Mouth was that they finished the game with two 18-year-old props on the field, who really stood up and earned their stripes.
The home side trailed by five points at the break but managed to get on top and stay there in the second half. Billy Reynolds bagged a brace of tries, with Andy Taylor and George Thompkins also crossing to earn the bonus point. Tim Walker added three conversions and a penalty for the home side.
Chew Valley appear to be the inform team in the division after their 30-5 triumph over leaders Midsomer Norton at Lobbingtons Lane.
Last week Chew thrashed previous leaders Matson 41-15 away from home and backed it up with another resounding win over their title competitors.
Centre Charlie Shallcross was outstanding for Chew in midfield, while prop Will Keel returned to the team following a lengthy injury with aplomb. Wing Joe Webb, fullback Joe Cowell, centre Ben Whitemore and wing Harry Stride all touched down for Chew, with Cow- ell adding the rest via the kicking tee.
Injury-ravaged Clevedon still managed to gain a losing bonus point after slipping to a 12-5 defeat at Wells. Nick Hill’s team have blown hot and cold all season, but are hoping to be back to full strength and climb the table in 2019. Mitch Jordan was Clevedon’s solitary try scorer.
Elsewhere in the division, Chipping Sodbury beat Matson 35-12 at The Ridings, while Old Bristolians fell to a 37-17 reverse at Cheltenham and Gordano lost 24-20 at Chosen Hill.
Injury-hit Bristol Saracens were beaten 31-18 by Gloucester Premier leaders Spartans. Late calloffs meant Will Harding - usually a flanker - had to play on the wing, and Sarries’ back replacement was hooker James Ball.
Sarries, although now down in third place, still believe the division is wide open and the title is there for the taking. Emyr Watson and Josh Skinner crossed for Sarries, while Billy Cook added two penalties and a conversion.
Frampton Cotterell, in fourth, took two bonus points during their 40-33 defeat at Hucclecote, Whitehall were 38-12 victors over Widden Old Boys, while St Mary’s lost 15-8 at home to Berry Hill.
In Gloucester One, Old Colstonians kept their title hopes alive with a 12-11 home win over Cirencester. Mat Philips was outstanding throughout this tight tussle at Stapleton. James Knight and Josh Grant crossed for five-pointers, while Philips crucially added a conversion to secure the narrowest of victories for Matt Leek’s men.
North Bristol beat Dursley 19-5 at Oaklands, while Old Elizabethans downed Brockworth 15-0 at Hallen. Mitch Wante scored a hattrick of tries for Yatton during their 33-12 Somerset Premier victory over neighbours Weston. Ben Bushell barged over for a brace, while Mike Gane and Jack Edwards shared the kicking duties.
St Bernadette’s edged past Bristol Harlequins 18-11 at Broomhill, while Imperial impressed to beat Nailsea & Backwell 21-10 at North End Park. Leaders Wiveliscombe tasted defeat for the first time this season, going down 17-13 at Avon.
Holders Broad Plain booked their place in the final of the RFU Level 10 Cup after seeing off Tewkesbury 48-12 at St John’s Lane. St Brendan’s consolidated their place at the top of Gloucester Two South with a 29-5 win over UBH.