Tribute Western Counties North

Keynsham 39

Cirencester 20

KEYNSHAM showed why they are among the promotion favourites in Western Counties North with a 39-20 victory over the visitors from The Whiteway.

Cirencester started at a cracking pace playing the game with width and asking many questions of the Keynsham defence.

The experienced Adam Seager made one excellent early interception but just did not have the legs to cross the line.

From the resulting ruck Matt Berry, playing out of position at centre, popped over from short range, with Seager adding the extras to give Ciren a 7-0 lead.

Straight away Keynsham hit back with some powerful backs play, outflanking the covering defence before crashing over. The successful conversion made it 7-7.

With both sides battling for supremacy at full tilt, the home side then scored another try, although missing the conversion.

Ciren hit back with a penalty from Seager (12-10).

The Keynsham side were in full flow, though, keeping the ball and using their forwards and backs in equal measure to stretch a tiring defence. In this period they scored two tries, both unconverted, to lead 22-10.

With half-time minutes away, the Keynsham number eight had a rush of blood and for no apparent reason punched the Ciren prop Aaron Lockitt, resulting in a red card, and forcing Lockitt from the field.

The visitors hoped this was the opportunity to get back in the game and the second half started with Cirencester attacking with pace and accuracy, eventually scoring a try through prop Darren Stephens.

Seager added the conversion and followed up with a penalty to close the deficit to just two points (22-20).

At this stage the home side rallied with a converted score of their own and the game then entered a scrappy phase, which was littered with injuries.

Archie Doyle, who had done a commendable job playing at hooker for the first time, was one player forced off the field.

Keynsham then finished the game strongly with two final tries to take the final scoreline to 39-20, picking up the full five points.

Cirencester director of rugby Andy Deacon said: “The young Ciren side is still adapting to the step up in competition and we do have lots of positives to take from the game.

"But ultimately we are disappointed not take any points.

“This Saturday we renew acquaintance with Bristol Saracens at The Whiteway, both of us having been promoted from Gloucester Premier last season.

"They lost 14-10 at Avonmouth Old Boys last weekend, their first defeat so far, so they are clearly still adjusting to the new division as well.

"They were a very good side when we played them last year and we are under no illusions that this will be a very tough game.”