14

Tries 2
Conversions 2

7

Tries 1
Conversions 1

For a variety of reasons, we were missing several of our more experienced players, particularly in the backs and the talented and versatile Gabe was needed to fill in at scrum half. An early injury to the mercurial Ben Shaw was the last thing we needed early in the first half particularly after he had looked so sharp in training and in the game. George, equally versatile, left his back row position, applied hair gel and filled in at centre!

Cirencester had plenty of ball but we were robust in defence but every time we regained possession and tried to move it, the whistle blew for some transgression or other. Some sustained pressure eventually resulted in Cirencester crossing near our posts despite heroic tackling and a further score late in the half as our defence was eventually out-muscled. We were able to mount a few attacks of our own with several forwards carrying hard, Liam and Conor prominent as they have been all season.

At the half, we were 14 down but had the slope and high hopes of a comeback. A multiphase attack pinned Cirencester back with Tom S crashing over eventually.

Sam adding the extras from the tee we were pushing hard for equality.

Sadly, another shoulder injury meant Finn had to leave the field depriving us of his powerful presence and we hope it won’t be so long till he’s back with us again.

As the intensity of the half increased, frustratingly, the whistle intervened time and again preventing us applying real pressure and it is creditable that the boys maintained their discipline and efforts right to the end. We couldn’t find an equaliser and the celebrations of the opposition at the final whistle showed how keen they had been to get one over on us. Fair play to them, they played well too.

Pleasingly, several lads who needed some minutes on the pitch got just that and a great team effort was good to see.

Not our day this time but we go again next week. Allez les Pats!

Tom Perris