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Old Bristolians 19

Cirencester 12

THE men from The Whiteway took on their Bristol counterparts on a bright blustery day in South Gloucestershire.

Cirencester, seeking their first away win of the season, started impressively – as they have done all season – stretching the home side’s defence in the early exchanges.

But gradually OBRFC started to get a foothold in the game and began to dominate territory and possession. The pressure was starting to tell on the Ciren defence, with two penalties kicked and a yellow card for the away side second row Alex Buchalik. The hosts led 6-0 at the interval.

Ciren started the second half poorly, conceding another penalty in front of the posts which took the score to 9-0.

The inability to field the kick-offs was hurting. But as ever, Ciren did not lie down, and with great spirit and skill they hit back putting multiple attacks together.

In a great flowing movement with many players contributing, Ciren moved the ball wide only for the last scoring pass to be intercepted.

To add insult to injury the home side went straight down the other end to score under the Ciren posts, and the conversion made the score 16-0.

A further OBRFC penalty took it to 19-0. Remarkably the determined Red & Blacks still tried to get something from the game, gaining field position.

After another stunning line-out drive, hard-working prop Darren Stephens crashed over, with the abrasive number nine Archie Doyle adding the extras to bring the score to 19-7.

Again The Whiteway men raised their game, with returning fly half Ollie Newman pulling the strings in an intelligent display.

The last score of the game came when powerful wing James Isaacs crashed over out wide to bring the score to 19-12.

Director of rugby Andy Deacon said: “The momentum was very much with Ciren at the end, our terrific fitness levels enabling us to push on for a winning score.

“Sadly it was not to be, but a bonus point was gained. “We were all disappointed with a third straight loss but are confident that if we can build on the performance seen at the weekend, the winning ways will definitely return.”

This weekend sees Cirencester travel to play Chosen Hill.