Tewkesbury RFC 18, Cirencester RFC 1st XV 18

CIRENCESTER resumed their Gloucester 1 League campaign with this lacklustre draw.

But, with the previous leaders losing, they now top the league on points difference.

Following a late inspection of the waterlogged pitch, Town took an early lead.

Following good handling in the backs, Adam Seager scored an unconverted try.

Both sides kicked a penalty apiece before Town became lethargic. Poor tackling and rucking allowed Tewkesbury to score a converted try to take a half-time 10-8 lead.

After Cirencester coach Myles Ferris' passionate half-time team-talk, Town renewed their dominance.

After having a pushover try disallowed because the referee was unsighted, Cirencester's pack took charge and flanker, Chris Thorn, crashed over out wide for the second try.

Town's heads were up and nimble handling involving the whole team saw them score another try through Matt Wood.

Both conversions were missed.

With a comfortable lead, the coach made tactical and enforced changes but these failed to stop Tewkesbury scoring a try out wide following a good break from their centre.

With five minutes remaining and defending a narrow lead, Town weathered a storm and conceded a penalty Tewkesbury converted to level the scores.

Town could have won with greater concentration.

They will play Old Bristolians, at The Whiteway, this Saturday: kick off 2.30pm.

Cirencester 2nd XV 27, Cheltenham North 3rd XV 3

LLOYD William's team continued their good run in the GRFU Merit Table Division 3 with a comfortable but feisty win in heavy conditions against competent Cheltenham.

A good forward platform allowed the young back line to spin the ball wide. Having narrowly led at half time, Town scored several tries.

This Saturday, Town will play Dursley away in a clash between second and third in the table.

Cheltenham Saracens 2nd XV 5, Cirencester 3rd XV 15

A LATE-organised fixture saw Chris Priestner's old lags visit Cheltenham for a friendly before a pub-crawl back to Cirencester and the annual Christmas dinner.

The game remained close, partially due to the uncontested scrums negating the visitors' strength up front.

Despite this, Town scored three tries to the visitors one try and recorded their third successive win.

This Saturday, they will play Dowty away.