Cirencester RFC 1st XV 17, Taunton RFC 0

FOLLOWING North Bristol's late cry-off, Town arranged this game against Taunton, who are levels above them in South West Two.

Taunton's side comprised mostly first-teamers.

Keen to examine new combinations and players, Cirencester coach, Myles Ferris, fielded only eight first-teamers.

Cirencester played up-slope in the first half.

Taunton were not going to get the easy game they expected.

Town's powerful scrum destroyed their opposition, providing good ball for half-backs, Philippe Vallet and Alex Sumpter, to unleash the back line.

Winning a penalty 30 metres out, Town kicked to the corner.

From the resultant lineout, the forwards generated a driving maul and crashed over the line from close range.

Impressive youngster, Matt Carter, emerged from the bottom of the pile to claim the try.

Adam Seager's attempted conversion, from wide out, hit the post. This awoke Taunton.

They looked like scoring several times but Cirencester defended resolutely, with crunching tackles being made by winger, Matt Wood.

Strong play by Cirencester's back row, especially open-side Matt Johnson, secured several turnovers. The half-time score was 5-0.

Now playing down-slope, Town's confidence increased and they pressured Taunton. Taunton's defence held firm.

It was 20 minutes before Cirencester broke through.

Strong running by pack leader, Chris Thorn, and centre, Andy Halsey, set up quick ruck-ball for scrum-half, Vallet.

He sniped blind before finding Seager with a long pass.

Seager sliced through and raced to the corner for a fine team-try. Seager converted. The game became scrappy as Taunton grew frustrated.

Following a scuffle, Henry Church and his opposite man were sin-binned for 10 minutes. The referee then sin-binned Taunton's scrum-half for dissent, resulting in uncontested scrums being played.

Town's second row, Pete Aspin, who had a great game, barged his way through the defence and linked with prop, Bunce.

The drive was held up but the ball was recycled and Seager scored his second try wide out. Again, his conversion attempt hit the post.

This weekend, Town will play Bristol Saracens at home.

A win will mean that Town's game away to joint-league leaders Frampton Cotterell, on Saturday, February 18, will decide the title.