Old Bristolians FS 1st XV 6 Cirencester 1st XV 22 (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Old Bristolians FS 1st XV 6 Cirencester 1st XV 22

CIRENCESTER have secured the Gloucester One League title with a match to go.

They travelled to Bristol knowing that a victory would see them secure the club's first league title and promotion to Gloucester Premier League.

On a wet and windy day, Town's preparation was disturbed when captain and full-back, Shaun Marriott, turned up with just half an hour to kick-off.

With the elements behind them in the first half, they immediately applied the pressure to fifth-placed Bristolians.

After an early miss, Adam Seager kicked a penalty following an infringement at the breakdown to give Town a three-point lead.

In the miserable conditions, Town struggled to play their normal high-paced, fluid game and the ball spent a lot of time on the floor.

Fly-half, Steve Thompstone, took control and used the boot to advance Ciren up the pitch.

From a scrum on half way, he hoisted a perfect up and under deep into the home side's 22.

Seager followed up and leapt above the winger to claim the ball.

When he was held up just short, his centre partner, Martin Crouch, was on hand to collect the pass and score the first try.

The conversion was missed for an eight-nil lead.

Straight from the restart though, Town were penalised for crossing and the Old Bristolians fly-half got his side on the scoreboard with a straightforward kick from in front of the posts.

This galvanised the home side and they came at Town strongly, roared on by their enthusiastic supporters.

Town's defence managed to hold firm on their own line for a sustained period before being forced to concede another penalty in front of their posts.

Again the home side's fly-half took his chance and reduced Cirencester's lead to just two points with 10 minutes to play of the first half.

Knowing they needed to make use of the elements while they were in their favour, Town attacked again.

After several strong runs by the back row of Davies, Thorn and Sheridan, quick ball was fed to Thompstone.

He chipped over the top of the oncoming defence and when the home side's winger could not collect in the slippery conditions, Marriott was in the right place to score and make up for his earlier tardiness.

Seager converted the try to give Town a 15-6 lead at half time.

Knowing that Old Bristolians would be buoyed with the wind behind them, the Cirencester team realised they would have to be on top of their game to maintain their lead and to secure the title.

From the start of the second half, Town managed to keep the home side penned back in their own half with thunderous tackling around the ruck area.

Notable hits came in from props Pete Aspin and Neil Bunce.

Old Bristolians were forced to try to move the ball wider but when they did they were met with another solid wall of impenetrable defence across the back line.

Cirencester were penalised several times at the ruck and Town were pinned back into their own 22.

They had to endure periods of real pressure but every time they looked to be in trouble someone would manage to steal a turnover and they could clear their lines.

Keeping the ball low, Thompstone and Seager gradually got Town moving up the pitch with several kicks to the corners.

After sustained pressure on the hosts' line and just when it looked like Cirencester might score, Town conceded a penalty at the ruck, allowing Old Bristolians to clear their lines.

With 10 minutes to play, Town again found themselves defending their try-line but excellent work by the pack secured another turn-over and scrum-half, Nick Duncan, kicked high from the ruck for French winger, Thomas Cury, to chase.

He jumped high to catch the ball and swiftly evaded two would-be tacklers.

When he was finally brought down, the ball was fed back to Thompstone who kicked long.

Marriott was first to the ball and he fly-hacked it on towards the line.

Winger, Charlie Whitfield, caught up and overtook his full back to dive on the ball for the decisive score.

Seager converted to extend Town's lead and effectively end the game as a contest.

The final whistle blew minutes later to be greeted by elation by the sodden Town players and supporters.

Coach, Myles Ferris, can be most proud of all his players in this dogged encounter against strong opponents.

This Saturday, Town host local rivals Painswick in the Stroud Combination Cup semi-final.

They will finish their league campaign at home to Tewkesbury on Saturday, April 8.

Theakston's Brewery will sponsor this game.

Following the match, plus those played by the second and fourth teams, Theakston's real ale will be on sale at the club for £1 a pint in recognition of a great season.

That evening, there will be a leaving presentation and party for coach, Myles Ferris, and his wife, Malvina, who are returning to New Zealand on April 10 after about two and a half years at Cirencester.

The senior tour auction will also be held, followed by a disco.

Club captain, Adam Seager, said: "Myles is the whole reason we've done so well.

"We've had coaches before who've been a bit serious.

"You can't forget we're only amateur players.

"Myles does take it seriously but he understands we have to work and can't train all the time.

"The team ethos he has generated is absolutely stunning.

"Beforehand, we always relied on a couple of players to get us out of trouble but this season everyone has taken responsibility.

"I've never previously played for a Cirencester team in which you can rely on every player."