Cirencester fightback to earn victory over North Bristol

Cirencester 40

Cirencester bounced back from their defeat to Dursley as they came from behind to beat North Bristol.

Ciren found themselves on unfamiliar territory playing on a 4G pitch, and both teams had to also handle the gusty conditions. Cirencester started the game in frantic fashion without getting to grips with conditions, kicking away possession which enabled North to gain territory with wind assisted kicks which resulted in them gaining the game’s first try which was quickly followed up with another shortly after.

Ciren were on the track at this point and needed to score next which they duly did through wingman Isoa Raione 10-7. The score was only a short respite for Ciren as North again hit back with two tries from some indifferent Ciren defending and they trailed 24-7.

With time running out in the first half hard working back row forward Will McCarthy, with a great supporting running line, finished off a strong Ciren attack to make it 24-12.

The score gave massive confidence to the Cotswold side who scored their third try of the half through their powerful winger Sean Pritchard-Nash who blasted his way through the midfield defence and raced under the posts, with Howell kicking the conversion, making the half time score 24-19.

With the wind, Ciren were in a determined mood to score the opening try of the second half.

Howell skipped his way to the try line for his a brace of tries, with Ciren taking the lead for the first time 24-26.

Their advantage did not last long as the North hit back with a try of their own 29-26.

The game started to break up, with the fast pace of the game started to take its toll on some of the players.

Ciren gained possession from a 5m lineout drive with bulky prop Darren Stephens crashing over and Howell making the conversion 29-33.

In the closing moments of the game Tom Woodard the Ciren scrum half went through the smallest of gaps to dance around the North full back to score the game’s final try, and seal an impressive away win for the Whiteway men, in a ten try thriller 29-40.