RUGBY: Cirencester open Western Counties campaign with a victory (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Coach Hammett back in charge as Cirencester triumph

3:07pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in Sport

Tribute Western Counties North.

Cirencester 18 Chosen Hill FPs 3.

Coach Hammett's side took to the field having had a disrupted pre-season and no warm-up fixtures.

The first half saw most of the game played within the middle third of the field as both sides struggled to find any rhythm in their play.

Only a solitary penalty from James Fisher separated the teams at half-time.

Hammett rallied his troops for an early assault on the visitors' line after the interval which led to a short-range drive from Alec Buchelik to put points on the board from the Cirencester forwards.

This was closely followed by flash of inspiration from Fisher, whose 'chip and chase' saw him cross the line with the visitors' defence shredded; Fisher also duly converted the extras.

Cirencester then locked the gates, refusing to allow Chosen Hill any chance of crossing the line with some thumping defensive tackles. The visitors were limited to one penalty score.

The final whistle saw the home side running out comfortable 18-3 winners, which left Hammett and the coaching team satisfied with the performance.