Cirencester Men 4 Penarth 6

PENARTH arrived with a spring in their step upon hearing the Wales rugby score but Cirencester immediately put them on the back foot by taking an early 2-0 lead – from the Charlie Partridge/Ash Granger combination.

With the game going Cirencester’s way, hopes of survival in this division were looking good.

Late in the first half, Penarth got themselves back in the game with two wonder runs and goals from their centre forward.

Cirencester rallied to retake the lead before half-time with a cheeky deflection from Joel Brace.

The second half started well for Ciren with good play from Rich Peden and Steve Brady leading to another goal from Brace.

However, the game's momentum changed with the defence of Luke Craven, Jacob Elliott and Robbie Jackson coming under a lot of pressure.

Penarth soon levelled to make it 4-4 and the pressure became intense. Despite fine keeping from Paul 'Woody' Franklin, Penarth scored two more to win 6-4.

Luckily, other results went Cirencester’s way and their future in the league was confirmed. A bitter sweet way to end a good season.

PoM: Charlie Partridge.

Cirencester Ladies 0 Gloucester II 5

CIRENCESTER dug deep in the second half but the damage was already done as their Gloucester rivals hit five goals in the first period.

Gloucester, also fighting relegation, appeared to have had an influx of new players since earlier in the season.

The second half was less fruitful for Gloucester as Ciren showed great spirit, resilience and determination.

A special mention to Emily Buck for her composure and decision-making in defence.

PoM: Christabel Blanch.

Cirencester Men’s II 3 Stroud A 3

WITHIN minutes of the push-back, Ollie Latter had flicked a goal past the Stroud keeper.

Despite a couple of penalty corners and a blast over the bar from Ollie, the score line remained 1-0 at half-time.

'More of the same' was the call from captain Sean Collins at the interval.

Chris Poole combined well with Latter and John Tasker up front, while Chris Thompson put in some serious legwork in the middle. After a neat move down the right, Chris Pollard slid a pass into space for JT to run on to and make it 2-0.

Sam D'Ambrosia's game came to a premature end with a hamstring problem and he was soon joined by an injured Polly.

Cirencester’s keeper Will Gill was called upon to make some fine saves but he could not prevent Stroud from pulling a goal back.

However, Latter scored after a typically bustling run to make it 3-1.

That should have been job done but after two Stroud shots pinged back off the post a bobbling cross mysteriously evaded four Ciren sticks and Stroud slotted their second.

With five minutes to go, Stroud threw everything at the visitors, and their efforts were rewarded with a final goal.

PoM: Simon Watson.

Ciren Ladies II 1 Chipping Campden 3

THE ladies' seconds made a strong start against fellow mid-table team Chipping Campden.

Plenty of possession and desire paid off with an early penalty corner goal from Rachael McLeish.

The visitors managed to grab an equaliser just before half-time.

Both teams desperately tried to keep possession in the second half.

Chipping Campden managed to convert two quick goals at close range to seal the win. Despite the result, spirit and determination was not dampened.

PoM: Rachael McLeish & Manda Bloomer.