Waite sees red as leaders Cirencester crash to heavy North defeat

FULL-BACK Zeb Waite was redcarded as Gloucestershire One leaders Cirencester suffered a 41-0 defeat at home to Cheltenham North.

The early supremacy came from North as they set up camp in the home side’s final quarter.

After a series of scrums on the Cirencester line with both sides gaining some success, North moved the ball wider. Ciren were penalised, and from a quick tap penalty, North scored a converted try.

The rest of the half was littered with injury stoppages, and with players struggling to handle the ball resulting in numerous scrums.

The second half started with renewed energy from the Cheltenham side, and from a break down the middle, North scored.

This was compounded when Waite was asked to leave the field and the red card was the end of Cirencester’s chances.

North grasped the game by the scruff of the neck and played intelligently, manipulating positions to score with clever kicks to space left vacant by the departed full back.

Scrum-half Sam Coles scored two tries, as did wing Jahmal Taylor, while there was one apiece for hooker Nathan Wakefield, fly-half Will Hartland, who also kicked six points, and Bailey Freeman.

Cirencester director of rugby Andy Deacon said: “We could not change the direction of the game, which disappointingly resulted in our first league loss of the season.

“We will not panic but stick to our training regime and game plan which we know works.

“That said, a reaction will be required to not lose the momentum and league position gained in the opening weeks of the season.”

The seconds had a 52-5 win over Old Cryptians III.