Colts League Cup Bowl semi final

Cirencester 32 North Bristol 24

A TRULY remarkable turnaround in the second half saw Cirencester Colts astound the visiting North Bristol side who were at one point looking certain winners.

Despite dominating the early possession and territory Cirencester contrived to waste a number of scoring opportunities. They were then blitzed by a cheap penalty and three converted tries as North Bristol took advantage of some indecisive play, including the softest of interceptions, to lead 24-0.

It could have been worse for the hosts as a promising Bristol attack looked set to yield a certain score until Elsey picked off a stray pass to sprint away for a try just before the interval.

Coaches Matt Carter and Dave Cater felt the need to read the proverbial riot act to their underperforming side for the first time this season.

After a number of positional changes, Cirencester bossed the second half and ran in five tries, converting one.

This completely overwhelmed the visitors who were kept in their own half for much of the remainder of the game.

Ed Cattermole barged over following a sweeping backs move; Seb Ellis scored two, the first a crash penalty, the second thanks to a battering run through the rapidly-tiring visitors; Will Irving showed poaching instincts to grab a try from close quarters and Elsey darted clear after a last-minute turnover to complete a remarkable transformation.