With the wind and slope in their favour the Gloucester side enjoyed 80% territory and possession throughout the first half but a one dimensional forwards orientated attack and indecision at half back was ineffective against a solid Patesians defence.

After sustaining 30 minutes of pressure the home side’s clinical finishing opened the scores in their first venture into the opposition half with Kieran Dillion finishing off a fine left to right sweeping move from a set piece for an unconverted try in the right hand corner.

Poor kicking from both sides and line out inaccuracy produced a messy end to the first half with neither side able to convert possession into points.

Pats pinned the Old Boys in their 22 for much of the 2nd half with probing downwind kicks. Playing their characteristic open running game Pats pacey young backs used the slope to their advantage with George Warley, Matt Parker, Jack Donaldson and Kieran Dillon all showing flair with only desperate defence from the visitors keeping them out.

From a scrum 20 meters out Pats powerful number eight Charlie Maker picked up and drove to the line before finding player coach Ben Smith to dab down in the corner making it 10-0 with 20 minutes to play.

The home side were in rampant and in complete control winning line out ball against the head and negating the Gloucester forward drives with chop tackling and their counter rucking often gaining ground whilst not in possession.

From a rolling maul on the visitors 22 mobile young prop Joe Hart saw a gap in midfield and backed himself breaking two tackles for a remarkable individual try converted by Jack Donaldson.

Pats camped in the Gloucester side’s 22 for the remainder of the match chasing the bonus point but with two clear tries disallowed it wasn’t to be which may prove important as the season progresses.

Old Pats 17 – 0 Gloucester Old Boys

Norman Bell