Rugby team's win gets 2003 off to a flying start (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rugby team's win gets 2003 off to a flying start

CIRENCESTER got their new year off to a cracking start, a much needed 23-10 home win over Hucclecote elevating them two places up the Premier League table.

On chilly Saturday afternoon, The Whiteway faithful welcomed back several old faces that had been missing for the first part of the season.

There was Paul Rowley steering the ship along with Arry Renton, Colin Wright, Chris Thorn and Ian Barber.

Starting downhill with a slight wind, the local team took the game straight to Hucclecote's strengths, their forwards.

Pressure soon took its toll with a penalty just to the side of the posts, although Ramsey missed the shot at goal.

Straight from the drop-out, Town forwards produced great ruck ball and, after many phases, another penalty was awarded.

This was also missed and the Gloucester team attempted to produce some rolling mauls of themselves, but were soon thwarted by outstanding defence work by hosts' new-look forwards.

A further penalty was missed by Cirencester and, from the resulting kick upfield, Hucclecote managed to slot home their first points.

After stern words by captain Rowley, Town up the pace which soon resulted in an equalising score which brought some relief to Ramsey.

Straight from the kick-off, good pressure was put on the Hucclecote line and the ball was stolen from a ruck position and passed to Hogan who dropped it over the try-line.

A try was soon to come, although this was helped by a poor kick from the Hucclecote scrum-half.

The ball bobbled between both his centres and was picked up by Barber who, after fighting off strong challenges, ran from the Cirencester 22 to score under the posts.

The conversion was also scored.

The second half continued in the same vein with Cirencester playing the percentages and driving with their dominant pack.

Straight from the kick-off, the Gloucester side had the ball stolen.

After a dummy by Cirencester hooker Church, the resulting ruck ball produced a quick ball to Bassett who waddled into the corner for his first try of the year. Ramsey converted from the side line.

After another penalty from Cirencester, Hucclecote had to try to pick up the pace.

In fact, they thought they had scored in the corner, save for a fantastic covering tackle by 'ex- pat' Thorn.

From the resulting lineout, Hucclecote put on the pressure but were thwarted by a sin binning offence from Renton.

A try was eventually awarded to Hucclecote after a bit of traditional Gloucester crossing, along with the conversion.

Straight from the kick-off, Cirencester were put under pressure, but the Hucclecote pack soon realised it wasn't their day when with a man down.

Five metres from the home line, Town pushed them off the ball and the lines were cleared. A further penalty was awarded to Cirencester and duly converted.

This was just the start that Town needed in 2003 to relieve the pressure in their relegation battle.

Hopefully, more performances like this will follow. Cirencester man of the match was Ian Barber.