Old Patesians made it a double-win weekend on the all-weather pitch at Oxtalls Sports Park with a thumping win over Hereford-based Greyhound RFC in the Papa John Community Cup

Demonstrating the strength and depth the Cheltenham side has achieved since withdrawing from their level six status, a blend of young Colts, 1st XV protagonists and mature veterans had simply too much pace and experience for the visitors in an eleven tries to zero rout.

Centre Lucas Town helped himself to a brace and was instrumental throughout providing a left-footed option for veteran prop turned fly half and player-coach Chris Downes.

Youngsters, Will Evans, Tom Ryder, Archie Maclean, Harry Royal, Freddie Parry and James Emerson all featured in the try fest with one a piece along with Jack Harvey, Billy Harris and assistant player-coach defying his years with an impressive sprint finish.

Downes was in typical form selling an outrageous dummy before putting former playing partner Bruce Fenley’s son Johnny in for a try between the posts, Ben Smith’s reading of the game constantly set his teenage three quarters in motion and Lucas Town found form with the boot with intelligent grubber kicks and slotting over 6 conversions

The fixture proved to be the perfect curtain raiser for the main event between league leaders Stroud and championship contenders OPRFC 1st XV with Pats once again victorious at 39-29 and still very much in contention for the title

Norman Bell