Cirencester 2 (15 v 17) Westbury-on-Severn RFC
On a nice sunny day, Westbury on Severn RFC took on the mighty CCS Warpigs away to open this season's account. Taking inspiration from NFL, four quarters were run, each 20 minutes a piece, allowing for rotating of players and great preparation of the season ahead.
Electing to kick off, WoS were right in the Warpig's 22, although, unable to convert this pressure, a new front row of Captain Rory Pritchard (sponsored by Forge Motorsport) and prop spanning experience levels, Kyle Richards and Digger (both available for sponsor) gelled instantly, bringing much oomph to the pack. Pressure switched, with WoS in their 5 m momentary. Despite great defensive pressure, the hosts scored, ending the first quarter 5-0.
The second quarter contained drama and delights with sensational play coming from WoS, with a particular highlight being Andrew Cueto's (sponsored by Lime Masonry) try saving tackle, allowing for WoS to clear their lines and get back into their half. Pressure built again, with the hosts managing to score in the corner, 10-0 to the hosts. Receiving the hair dryer treatment under the sticks, WoS were raring to get back into it. Set piece play from the forwards, along with tactical kicking from Paul Reddan (sponsored by the Roberts Family) and Robbie Pritchard (sponsored by Five Acres FastFit Tyres & Exhausts) and debutant Dylan Godwin (available to sponsor) ruling the skies at lineout time, WoS got a penalty 5 m out, resulting in a, dare I say beautiful, try from Max Kaufmann (sponsored by The Lyon Inn), converted by Paul Reddan (sponsored by the Roberts Family). Half time 10-7
After the halftime oranges, we were back underway, with tit for tat plays from both CCS Warpigs and WoSRFC. WoSRFC seamlessly sliding into shape, led by Ben Stephens (sponsored by Matt Hart) and the revolving fly halves of Robbie Pritchard (sponsored by Five Acres FastFit Tyres & Exhausts), Paul Reddan (sponsored by the Roberts Family) and Jay Scott (available for sponsor), navigated the well drilled defence, unleashing carries from the forwards, notably Harry Janneh (D and A Morgan), Rory Pritchard (sponsored by Forge Motorsport), and Max Kaufmann (sponsored by The Lyon Inn), who crashed over for his second, handily converted by Paul Reddan. Pressure returned, with the Warpig's winger breaking through several tackles to make a good solo try. Quarter ended 17-12.
The final quarter WoSRFC dug in. Camped most of the time in their half, they had to repel several attacks from the Warpigs. However time and time again, WoS held on. Finally able to string some phases together, WoSRFC captain, Rory Pritchard (sponsored by Forge Motorsport) scored the third try for us ("heavily" assisted by Max Kaufmann (sponsored by the Lyon Inn). 17-19.
The final few nervy minutes saw WoS repelling powerful attacks from the Warpigs but held on, winning 17-19. A big thanks goes to those who watch, helped play, and all our support staff.
Debuts for: Dylan Godwin, Toby Cherry, Oli Jelfs, and Jamie Giles.
MoTM awards go to: Digger and Kyle Richards (both available for sponsor) for their scrummaging against a much larger pack, and Ben Stephens for his control at scrum half.
Next week sees the incredible 1st XV and Chairman's XV match at home, so bring your boots or get in touch if you want a run around. See you all there.
