RUGBY: Cirencester have their relegation confirmed with defeat at Chosen Hill

Chosen Hill Former Pupils 40

Cirencester 5

CIRENCESTER RFC will drop back down to Gloucester Premier next season after their relegation from Western Counties North was confirmed by the 40-5 defeat at high-flying Chosen Hill.

Nothing less than a victory was required for Ciren but it was not to be with Hill scoring five tries in the first half, playing with pace and power.

Cirencester, who never gave up, did have their moments in the game but never had the composure to finish off the opportunities.

With the Cotswold side’s scrum and line-out under increasing pressure and with so much defending to do, Ciren were tiring and the half-time whistle came as a welcome relief with the score at 33-0.

The Red & Blacks started the second half brightly, with number eight powerhouse Alex Hammond busting holes in the home side's defence.

Meanwhile, fly half Oli Newman, playing with his brothers Luke and Noah, was moving the ball quickly and with purpose.

This resulted in replacement prop Andy Fielding crashing over to make the score 33-5 and James Isaacs was becoming more influential as the game wore on.

Ciren, playing with renewed belief, looked set to add to their score but ultimately they could not sustain the effort and Chosen Hill hit back with a counter attacking try to make the final score 40-5.

Cirencester have three games remaining of their first season back in Western Counties North and a lot of pride still at stake.

Cirencester's 2nd XV captained by Tim Skelton, beat the Gordon League 2nd XV 44-31 in the reserve league. Both sides played gripping rugby with great spirit.

On Saturday, the firsts have their final home game of the season at The Whiteway against bottom club Whitehall (kick-off 3pm).