Old Pats 1XV Yellows v Greyhound 01-04-23
A blend of young Colts, 1st XV protagonists and mature veterans had simply too much pace and experience for the Greyhounds on Super Saturday
A blend of young Colts, 1st XV protagonists and mature veterans had simply too much pace and experience for the Greyhounds on Super Saturday
Long-awaited top-of-the-table clash against Stroud RFC ends in a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for Old Pats 1XV
With at least 10 changes, Pats rested many of their first team players, choosing to bring through another handful of promising youngsters from their thriving juniors section to face a significantly stronger Minchinhampton side at Hampton Fields.
Charismatic head coach Chris Downes sent his young squad out in their brightly coloured away kit, lightening the mood and emphasising that Pats rugby is all about enjoyment, it certainly was as they ran in 17 tries in an exhibition of accurate fast-running rugby at Everest Road.
if there was ever any doubt about the importance of a height and weight advantage in the forward pack, the old boys settled this with a tactically astute display of dominance in the set pieces
The patience and guile of the Cheltenham outfit that saw them through to an important bonus point win, keeping their title hopes alive.
The rain sodden pitch did not deter an underperforming young Pats 15 from brushing aside an enthusiastic but outclassed Tewkesbury side in a seven tries to one rout at Everest Road.
The skies cleared on cue over Everest Road and the Pats set about playing their trademark expansive game v Chosen Hill on Saturday
Even scores but the Old Pats must reflect on their performance before the next fixture.
The heavily anticipated top of the table clash!