Cirencester 3rd XV in the thick of the action in first match of year (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester 3rd XV in the thick of the action in first match of year

CIRENCESTER RFC put out their 3rd XV under the captaincy of Dave Crouch on Saturday for their first match of 2004.

Unfortunately, the high standard of their Gordon League hosts led to a slight mis-match, but some positives emerged from a heavy loss.

The Gloucester side, fielding experienced vets in their pack alongside some strong-running backs, started strongly and through quick passing created overlaps out wide from which tries came.

Town attempted to slow down the pace of the game, but struggled to win their own lineout ball in the windy conditions and to make the necessary cover tackles around the fringes and out wide.

After a slow start, the hosts had a storming ten minutes, keeping the ball in the forwards and rucking and mauling strongly but, unfortunately, failed to cross the visitors' whitewash.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Gordon League having the majority of possession and territory.

But things evened up with Town digging deep and putting their bodies on the line in defence but still finding tries too elusive.

Notable Cirencester performances came from some of the younger players - Michael Smith, Peter Johnson and Tim Robinson - who showed themselves capable of competing in the adult game.

It was fitting that Smith scored the final try of the match with a quickly taken penalty.

Though falling to a heavy defeat to a superior team Cirencester can take some positives and lessons out of the game ahead of their forthcoming Combination Cup games.