Glos Reserve League North 3/4

Minchinhampton Rams 17

Old Cryptians II 43

MINCH RAMS came off decidedly second best against Old Cryptians seconds, despite at times threatening to take the game away from their visitors.

The difference was the superior cohesion of the Old Crypts and the confidence of their talented youngsters.

The first half was relatively even with the Minch forwards, notably French, Maller and captain Andy Burfoot, driving and linking together effectively and making big dents around the fringes.

A determined burst resulted in an excellent try for Ben Reid, who unfortunately had to retire later with a head wound.

Cryptians soon hit back with three tries of their own, despite the tenacious tackling from Liam Eaglestone.

Nevertheless, Rams stalwart Wagner forced his way over, making it 12-19 at half-time.

Cryptians were more enterprising in the second half and the Minch forwards’ influence on the game diminished. The visitors’ backs began to run from everywhere and despite determined tackling and running the ball back from George Evans and hooker Craig Murray – who was Minch’s man of the match – Cryptians twice breached the Minch line.

Long periods of Rams pressure in the Cryptians’ 22 came to naught as somehow the visitors kept Minch out, but finally Minch gained some reward when a rapid break from Jenns and Hiatt was finished by Muskett.

Cryptians had the last word, though, with two more scores, and will cause problems for most teams in the Merit table.