Gloucester Premier
Cirencester 13
Frampton Cotterell 19

HEAVY underfoot conditions did not suit Cirencester, who like to move the ball about, and chasing their second win of the season they were denied in a tight game with Frampton Cotterell.

It was clear from the outset that Frampton had come with a game plan that suited the conditions, using their big pack and forward runners to make dents in the Ciren defence.

To Cirencester’s credit they defended well early on thwarting Frampton’s forward bursts, eventually getting into the away side’s territory, which resulted in the first points of the game scored through a Iwan Thomas penalty (3-0).

Straight away Frampton hit back with a try after numerous pick-and-goes which Ciren struggled to deal with all match.

As in previous weeks Ciren were determined to run the ball and after numerous phases of play the experienced Adam Barker crashed over making the half-time score 8-5.

Frampton started the second half at a great pace, making the biggest gains and recycling the ball quickly to their ever-willing forwards. Unlike the first half Ciren could not hold out, and Frampton went over for their second try of the game, which was converted (8-12).

Ciren suffered some casualties with veteran Chris Thorn sustaining a rib injury and full back Dan Halpin damaging his knee, both leaving the field.

Both sides knew that the next score would be a giant step towards winning the game. To the disappointment of the home support it was Frampton who scored from a five-metre scrum pick-up (8-19).

With time running out Ciren poured forward and gave themselves a chance through captain James Renowden who cut a great line to score the final points which left Frampton the victors by 13-19.

Cirencester director of rugby Andy Deacon said: “We did gain a losing bonus point. Not exactly what we wanted but it did represent a reward for all the hard work the whole squad had put into the game.

"We continue a diverse training programme this week and ask all players to step up as we head to the halfway point.

"With players coming back from injury in the coming weeks we are targeting how and where the points will come. I call on the team to stick together, help each other, train and play to win more rugby.”

The next Gloucester Premier game is on Saturday, November 25 at Gloucester Old Boys.