Gloucester Premier

Cirencester 11 Hucclecote 17

CIRENCESTER selected an attacking back line with high hopes of finishing off opportunities created by the forwards but unfortunately the two units failed to gel together and they fell to a frustrating home defeat against Hucclecote.

Cirencester had the lion's share of territory and position but could not turn it into points and Hucclecote, on the back foot from the powerful Cirencester scrum and driving play, took the few chances they created with turnover ball at the breakdown.

Cirencester started strongly and within a minute were awarded a penalty in their own half. A confident James Fisher, on his return to first-team duties, elected to go for the posts and slotted the mammoth kick from 57 metres.

Fisher had two further penalty attempts go wide from 45 metres but he did make it 6-0 with a penalty from 30 metres after 13 minutes.

Hucclecote then closed the gap with a penalty to make it 6-3 after 27 minutes.

Andy Waite, who had taken over kicking duties after two Fisher misses, was off target with a couple of kicks himself before a long 22 drop out turned the pressure on Cirencester.

Hucclecote stole the ball when Joe Hammond was tackled and moved the ball quickly to score a converted try out wide to go in front.

Cirencester continued to dominate the set plays while Hucclecote did the same at the breakdown causing a stalemate with most play in the middle of the field.

When Cirencester did get the ball to Fisher he took his opportunity well with good footwork, crossing to score which restored Ciren's lead (11-10).

But Hucclecote launched an attack from a penalty and were rewarded with a score under the posts; the successful conversion completed their comeback for a 17-11 win.

Hucclecote had a lack of ball all game but they battled as a team to win every scrap on the floor which proved to be the difference between the sides.

Cirencester coach Kevin Powderly said: "It was very disappointing to lose a game we dominated in many areas especially as last Tuesday night's training session was all about decisions at the breakdown and a lot of what we worked on never came out on match day.

"I think the players are aware they need to commit more and work a lot harder in training to be able to bring it to the games on a Saturday."