Cirencester 0

Cheltenham North 41

Cirencester lost their first league game of the season at home to Cheltenham North on Saturday.

On a bitterly cold and wet day at the Whiteway Cirencester entertained Cheltenham North who have enjoyed a steady start to their Gloucestershire 1 campaign.

It was clear from the outset that the side that won the forward battle would have the greater opportunity to win the game in such testing conditions.

The early supremacy came from the Cheltenham club that set up camp in the home side’s final quarter. After a series of scrums on the Cirencester line with both sides gaining some success, North moved the ball wider and Cirencester were penalised, and from the penalty a simple quick tap penalty allowed the North to score, which was converted.

The rest of the half was littered with injury stoppage, and with players struggling to handle the ball resulting in numerous scrums which in turn did not allow the game to have any flow to see Cirencester go into the break 7-0.

The second half started with renewed energy from the Cheltenham side, and from a break down the middle and Ciren in scramble defence mode Cheltenham North scored.

This was compounded when the Cirencester full back Zeb Waite was asked to leave the field. In truth with 30 minutes still to play the red card was the end of any chances the home side had of victory. North grasped the game by the scruff of the neck and played intelligently, manipulating positions to score with clever kicks to space left vacant by the departed full back.

Director of Rugby Andy Deacon Said: “We could not change the direction of the game, which disappointingly resulted in our first league loss of the season. After the opening five games of league success this unexpected defeat will give us a lot to think about.

“However, we will not panic but stick to our training regime and game plan which we know works. That said, a reaction and improvement will be required to not lose the momentum and league position gained in the opening weeks of the season.”

It was not all doom and gloom in camp Cirencester though.

The second XV had a stunning away victory beating Old Cryptians 3rds 5 – 52, a good position to build upon in this weekend’s home fixture against Chosen Hill FP 2s.

The first XV, who are still top of the league, will travel south to play Southmead in Gloucester shire1 at the weekend, kick off at 2.30pm.