Cheltenham’s U12 rugby team light up an otherwise cold and dreary morning in Painswick.
Painswick kindly hosted Cheltenham’s U12 squad on a cold and wet morning and played 2 games against the County champions.
Cheltenham 28 Painswick 7
In the first game, Painswick, who were weakened by a number of absentees, put up initial stiff opposition. However with an absence of forwards and uncontested scrums they were no match for the cohesive Cheltenham pack. The Cheltenham backs made good use of the quality ball and despite the conditions they continued to move the ball from touchline to touchline. Pace in the backs and good quality possession up front resulted in a score line of Cheltenham 28 to Painswick 7. Solid performances from Robert Harris and Alistair Brunt up front led to tries for Brunt, Dean, Bolton and Kent. All were converted by Dean.
Cheltenham 12 Painswick 0
Painswick were clearly wounded by the loss in the first match and came out fighting on all fronts in the second game. There forwards played with very stiff resolve and pushed the laws to the limit. The Painswick backs defended very well utilising the offside line very effectively. However, they still could not match the Cheltenham dominance up front and the Cheltenham backs played with increased confidence taking advantage of great quality ball at the loose and quite a number of penalties following Painswick’s infringements at the loose. Tries by Inside Centre Edwards and winger “deadly Dan” Tucker came eventually. Dean converted 1 of the 2 tries. Painswick then managed to hold out upfront and despite Cheltenham’s forwards crossing the try line a number of times no further points were gained.
