Cirencester undone by high-flying Cheltenham

Cirencester.....................20

Cirencester lost for the first time since January 5 after they were undone by high flying Cheltenham North.

Andy Deacon's side entered this latest Gloucestershire League one game in third position with Cheltenham North in second and it was a must win game for both sides to maintain their push for promotion.

The game started with North playing with the strong wind at their backs, but it was Cirencester who were on the attack but a drop ball resulted in the North players racing the length of the pitch to score.

There started the theme of the game for Ciren with drop balls and indecisive decision-making being part of their undoing.

The North went on to score a further two tries in half, making the half time score 17-0.

All was not lost for the Cotswold club as with match changing wind this time at their backs, a comeback could be on the cards and they scored the opening points of the second half with a Scott Cannon penalty.

The expectation began to gain momentum, but a poor kick off receipt meant North scored their bonus point fourth try.

Cirencester hit straight back with a Sean Beech try converted by Ciren captain Oliver Newman, making the score 27-13, but as Ciren gained momentum once again the home side always hit back, this time North charged down a defensive box kick to race over for the try.

Ciren did keep working hard to get something out the game with a great team try which Zeb Waite finished off in the corner.

In the dying minutes, Cirencester pushed for their fourth try but with a sloppy pass in midfield, North's winger pounced on the ball and ran the length to score. This last passage of play summed up the Ciren performance.

The result leaves Cirencester in third place, nine points behind Cheltenham North and leaders Ross-on-Wye.

They take on bottom club Southmead at home on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Cirencester seconds pulled off a brilliant 58-10 win against Old Cryptians thirds at the weekend.