Gloucester Premier

Frampton Cottrell 10 Cirencester 10

CIRENCESTER came away bitterly disappointed with only a draw from a match they dominated in all areas – apart from the referee's decisions.

The official on the day did not allow Cirencester to gain any momentum, continually slowing down the game and penalising the visitors with a heavily one-sided penalty count.

Cirencester dominated territory and possession for the first 10 minutes. James Fisher made an excellent break but his kick through was dealt with by the Frampton full back.

Luke Armitage, playing in his last game before travelling overseas to work through the winter, was the next to get an opportunity.

He also opted to kick through but Frampton gathered and countered and, with the Cirencester players all in attacking positions, they ran the length of the pitch to score against the run of play.

Cirencester continued to get on top and it was only the referee's continuous whistle that stopped them on numerous occasions.

They created chances but often made the wrong choices.

Paddy Tarleton, making his first team debut, should have been put away for a score but the ball carrier elected to go himself – opportunity missed.

Reliable try scorer Fisher levelled things up after 30 minutes when he cut the midfield open and beat the full back to score but his conversion went over the top of the posts.

Just before the half-time break the referee mystified all and sundry by sin-binning Cirencester flanker James Renowden for pulling at a scrum. Frampton reacted quickly and managed to score out wide to lead 10-5 at the interval.

It was 15 minutes into the second half before Cirencester drew level again after a catch and drive from a line-out with Warren Rumble claiming the score.

Cirencester dominated all areas of the game subsequently but could not get the winning score.

Sam Hill went over for a touch down but the referee said the 6ft 10in player fell short.

Several penalty attempts went close, notably when Waite hit the post , while Fisher also had a near-miss with an attempt from 40 metres.

Cirencester head coach Kevin Powderly said: "It was a very frustrating day at the office. We try to play rugby and adapt to referees whichever way they see it, but it is difficult for the players to adapt when the official is so inconsistent.

"I have 30 years' experience in coaching and refereeing and that was a waste of a Saturday afternoon."