Cirencester 's 2nd XV enjoy a runaway success versus OBs (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester 's 2nd XV enjoy a runaway success versus OBs

CIRENCESTER RFC 2nd XV were in great spirits after winning their first game of 2004 45 points to nil away to Gloucester Old Boys on Saturday.

Before the start, the visitors' Lloyd Williams kindly offered his services to Old Boys to level up numbers and the match was able to go ahead.

Town were quick out of their blocks with a great run from winger and captain Paul Mason, which was swiftly followed up with a score from a scrum pick-up by No 8 Giles Brockbank.

The hosts then began to settle and the Whiteway team had to work hard up front to gain steady ball.

Eventually, a good overlap was created and Tom Barefoot ran in a try out wide.

As the half came to a close, Cirencester prop Nick Roberts finished off some good forward approach work to score under the posts.

Martin Crouch was successful with three conversions and Town led 26-0 at half-time.

But in having to play up the slope after the turn-round, the visitors needed to shift up a gear.

After some good sniping runs from Nick Bassett and more direct play by bullocking centre Dave Miles and wily veteran Rob Lister, Cirencester scored another try through winger Mason who eluded despairing tackles with his swervy running.

Minutes later, Mason completed his hat-trick following some good handling by Town.

Old Boys never gave up, though, and pressured their rivals' line but were unluckily disallowed a score when their winger touched down over the five-metre line.

In the final move of the game, Brockbank picked up from a scrum and ran half the length of the pitch to complete the scoring.

Crouch and Brockbank both converted a goal to leave the final margin of victory at 45-0.

Outside the try-scorers, there were excellent performances in the loose by Robin Baldwin and Richard Williams.

This Saturday, Cirencester 1st XV travel to Old Bristolians for a vital Premier League match, the 2nds play away at Malvern whilst the 3rd XV are still looking for a fixture.