OLD PATS
TRIES

8

Isaac X 2
Chris D
Aidan B
Charlie L
Monty P X 2
Will F

OLD PATS
CONVERSIONS

2

J Hogg

OLD PATS
PENALTIES

0

STOW
TRIES

2

STOW
CONVERSIONS

1

STOW
PENALTIES

0

As this season approaches its final few matches, the preparations for the next continue. We have been massively successful recently in blending the two school years in the Colts with a deliberate integration process. The aim is to repeat that process annually to the benefit of club and players

To this end, the current U16 team have been invited to the recent Colts training sessions and today they formed a joint team to play together against Stow.

The 16s combined with Painswick at the start of the year to increase playing numbers and have developed fantastically as they got to know each other. By joining the “junior” Colts today, they got a chance to play with their team mates for next year.

Stow are our favourite rival club: a strong set up, worthy opponents with similar inclusive values. It’s always a good run out against them, home or away and always convivial.

We started uphill and against a stiff breeze which, at least, had the benefit of drying the damp pitch somewhat. It wasn’t easy going against the elements and some strong lads in the opposition. However, from the first exchanges we could see both sides were trying to play rugby and things were pretty even.

The Pats were the first to apply pressure, gaining possession from a turnover in the Stow half and quickly moving the ball wide. Though the combinations were untried, they seemed to gel nicely with the ball moving crisply through the three quarters. Isaac, today occupying the 13 shirt, accelerated through a gap and held off the cover to the line in an early display of his pace and agility. . A nice kick and we lead 7-0.

We didn’t expect an easy ride from an imposing-looking Stow pack and we were soon proved right. Several phases of attritional forward carries forced us back towards and eventually over our line 7-5

The Pats came straight back though. Jonny H ran from defence following a deep kick. A nice offload put us in behind and several pick-&-goes from the pack drove us close. Chris D , lively all half with ball in hand and without, forced himself over the whitewash for the second try.
We strayed offside in our own 22 giving Stow possession in a dangerous area. A quick tap and some neat passing put them in under our posts. 12-12 at the break. All to play for second half.

Multiple changes of personnel at the interval and throughout the game were causing the team manager a headache but allowed us to involve as many players as possible. Despite all the new combinations and several lads playing out of position ( as we had a surplus in some roles) we played some excellent stuff with all the players showing skill and commitment.

With wind and slope in our favour this half, confidence was high that we could cause them problems and so it proved.

From the kick off, Isaac raced forward, leaped athletically to claim the ball, stepped the defender and sprinted towards the line, touching down with an acrobatic flourish! Very pretty!

A kick chase and a penalty for holding on put us, once more, into the danger zone. Aidan saw the gap and took a quick tap to nip over the line. The kick hit the post but the lead was growing 22-12

Securing the kick off, the pack started a drive down the left wing with first Saxon then Charlie H making yards. Hoggy, looking increasingly assured at 10, called for ball and it went through the hands. Issac again drifted through a gap but this time drew the last man and released Langers for a stroll-in try. Beautifully done lads!

Monty P is a very exciting runner most weeks for the 16s. Today’, playing at 12 between two very talented performers, he was having the time of his life. Jonny put him away with another nice draw & pass for his first try and then he popped up on the end of a slick passing move for his second. It was a joy to watch the boys merging their talents and playing with smiles on their faces.

It was also encouraging for the future to see that, in no way, were the younger lads intimidated by the physicality of the game. Bertie was, as ever, in the thick of it tackling and turning over ball. Will F, Jimmy B and Saxon all smashed the ball up and scrummaged hard. Excellent stuff!

Reward for an excellent, all round performance that saw him awarded man of the match came to Will as, he scored the final try. Multiple offloads between the forwards saw several lads getting their hands on the ball but Fletch was in the right place and with the power to break the final tackle. 44-12 at the close.

Kudos to Henry B and Harry B, who turned out for an injury-depleted Stow in the second half, having had an excellent run out for us in the first.

A huge amount of work goes into ensuring the talent conveyor belt continues to produce our future stars. On this evidence, the system is working, and next year will be fun!

Allez les Pats

Tom Perris