Cheltenham North RFC II (31 v 15) Westbury-on-Severn RFC

Cheltenham North RFC II v Westbury-on-Severn RFC

Westbury were on the road for the first game of the 2025/26 season, with Storm Amy blowing strong.

Westbury played into Storm Amy to start the match, and with the kick-off, they were immediately on the attack, applying plenty of pressure early on. Paul Reddan (sponsored by The Roberts Family) got the scoring underway with the first try. Cheltenham North 0 – 5 WoS.

This sparked Cheltenham into action, and they responded with two tries and one conversion, bringing the score to 12 – 5. Westbury helped Cheltenham keep the momentum by giving away a number of small penalties.

At times, Westbury’s attack was electric, cutting Cheltenham apart with dominating runs from Max Kaufmann (sponsored by The Lyon Inn) and Harry Jennah (sponsored by D&A Morgan). But several times within the final 5 metres, Westbury couldn't convert pressure into points.

That changed when Max Skipsey (available to sponsor) marked his return to the team with a well-earned try. Cheltenham North 12 – 10 Westbury.

However, once again, a Westbury try was followed by a Cheltenham rally, as they added two more tries before half-time.

Half-time score: Cheltenham North II 26 – 10 Westbury-on-Severn.

Westbury had to dig deep defensively at the start of the second half, with big hits coming from Andrew Cueto (sponsored by Lime Masonry LTD) and Max Kaufmann (sponsored by The Lyon Inn). The whole team lifted their effort and held Cheltenham at bay for a period.

The game became a battle between the 10-yard lines, with both teams exchanging territory but little in the way of scoring. The turning point came when Max Kaufmann was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. With the man advantage, Cheltenham capitalised and scored.

Cheltenham 31 – 10 Westbury.

Despite being a man down, Westbury responded with heart. Starting deep in their own half, they launched a counter-attack that ended in a stunning 40-metre try from Harry Jennah (sponsored by D&A Morgan).

Jay Scott (available to sponsor), who had missed his previous two attempts, unfortunately missed again — struggling to handle the windy conditions.

Cheltenham 31 – 15 WoS.

In the final stages, both teams cancelled each other out, with neither able to gain the upper hand. A minor scuffle ("handbags") saw one player from each side sent off for an early shower.

Full-time: Cheltenham North RFC II 31 – 15 Westbury-on-Severn RFC.

With a much-improved performance from last week, the lads can hold their heads high. The match showed a lot of promise for the season ahead. On to training Tuesday, and then Dursley RFC II away next Saturday.

POTM

• Forwards POTM – Kyle Richards (available to sponsor)

• Backs POTM – Paul Reddan (sponsored by The Roberts Family)

Honourable mentions for their shift go to:

• Will Lord (sponsored by HM Bricklaying)

• Dylan Godwin (available to sponsor)

• Robbie Pritchard (sponsored by Five Acres FastFit Tyres & Exhausts)

Thanks to Minsterworth Butchers for supporting Westbury-on-Severn RFC.

Sponsor of the week - Minsterworth Butchers

Coach Robbie’s Thoughts

 "We played the best rugby we've played so far this season in terms of shape and calls—an improvement that only points to better things to come."

"We performed very well overall; however, we allowed ourselves to drop to their level and got caught up in disputes we shouldn’t have, which ultimately contributed to the loss."

"There are definitely areas to improve on, but there’s also a lot to be proud of."

"Thank you to everyone who came to support us—we really appreciate it. We’re looking forward to taking on Dursley away this Saturday. See you all there!"