Painswick Colts 5 Cirencester Colts 15

CIRENCESTER, fielding a full squad for the first time this term and after a three-week break, secured a deserved win at the runaway unbeaten league leaders Painswick.

Both sides lacked for little in endeavour and commitment as both defences quickly thwarted each other's attacks.

Painswick with the more settled side shaded the set pieces but it was the visitors that looked more threatening with ball in hand, and they eventually worked through a number of phases before crashing over for a first converted try.

Repeated infringements and handling errors by both sides slowed the game down.

Attritional forward play was rewarded, however, when the visitors scored a second try.

Cirencester withstood some late pressure and thanks to a desperate try-saving tackle they finished the half 12-0 to the good.

The second half produced another scrappy error-ridden period of play as neither side could impose itself.

Both teams looked to change their shape with numerous player replacements and this ensured some disjointed passages.

The only scores came when Ciren kicked a penalty and, in the very last play, Painswick forced their way over for a consolation try.