Hucclecote Old Boys 12 Stroud 50
STROUD opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the Gloucester Premier by beating Hucclecote, writes Sean Moore.
The visitors started in frenetic fashion by taking the ball at pace and severely stretching the Stroud defence.
Stroud weathered this early assault and gradually gained field position in the Hucclecote 22. Predictably Stroud executed a well-controlled catch and drive, enabling Matt Hunt to score in the corner.
Shortly afterwards Hucclecote scored their own corner try to bring the score to 5-5.
Hucclecote, who were playing their best rugby of the season, then attempted a speculative drop-goal which missed the target but the ball bounced awkwardly away from full back Sam Hester, giving Hucclecote a somewhat fortuitous try under the posts.
The omens were not good, but a very focused Stroud side did not panic and thoughtful play enabled them to gain position upfield. This led to another catch and drive move which saw Hunt gain his second try.
Stroud started playing with controlled authority and forward pressure enabled Josh Stratton to barge over near the posts for a try which Pete Sykes converted.
There followed a back injury to Hucclecote captain Patrick Hanslow, which required him to go to hospital, and play was held up for 50 minutes.
The injury was not as serious as first thought and the number eight was released that evening.
Understandably this took the steam out of Hucclecote and Stroud began to get on top.
A fine flowing three-quarter movement saw winger Sykes gain possession and display electric pace and swerve to score a try in the corner, which he converted well into the wind.
Stroud's pack demonstrated their strong scrummaging skills and eventually the referee lost patience and awarded Stroud a penalty try under the posts, making it 31-12.
Continued pressure by the pack saw prop Tom Allen score a well-deserved try which was converted by Sykes, and the next try was a beauty and involved some forceful running and fluent passing – particularly by forwards Josh Stratton and Liam Hopkins.
This led to Sykes being released on the overlap and again he provided the finishing touches.
The final try was the icing on the cake and saw Stroud breaking out from their own 22, with Rob Higgins making good ground. This led to Sam Viggers, who had a fabulous all-round game, driving down the middle and fluent passing enabled Sykes to demonstrate his deadly finishing skills.
His conversion brought the Stroud score to 50 for the fourth consecutive match.
Stroud again showed great control, discipline and fitness, displaying impressive forward strength and finishing ability. The time and effort put in at the well-attended training sessions is clearly paying dividends.
