Hard work earns Dursley deserved win (From Gazette Series)

Hard work earns Dursley deserved win

Gloucester Division Two Dursley 18 Brockworth 14

DURSLEY ran out worthy winners against a stubborn Brockworth side to move up to joint third in the league.

Playing down the slope in the first half, the home team was soon awarded a penalty for offside. Trevor Scott slotted the simple kick to put Dursley 3-0 ahead.

Dursley were dominating the set pieces, especially the scrums, where Brockworth were put under considerable pressure. Eighteen-year-old Ashley Young made an excellent debut in the front row at loose head against a much bigger opponent.

Later in the first half, Stuart Chant kicked a speculative drop goal attempt, which sailed through the posts to give the hosts a 6-0 lead at the break, although it might have been more given their superior possession.

The calming motivational speech from player-coach Chant lifted the Dursley outfit after the break and from the restart Dursley drove into the heart of the Brockworth side. A clever chip over the defence from Simon Lane saw Brad Winchle win the footrace to score near the posts with Scott adding the conversion to make it 13-0.

Brockworth never gave up hope though and were awarded three penalties during the second half, which their kicker scored to pull the match back to 13-9. But Dursley had not finished and scored again when Luke Squire, making a rare cameo appearance, touched down out wide for an unconverted try.

With time running out, Brockworth threw everything at the home team and eventually scored an unconverted consolation try, which was too little too late, as the game finished 18-14 to Dursley.

Captain Mark Perry said: "We didn't play well as a team, making numerous mistakes and taking wrong decisions. However, the commitment and effort shown from the guys ensured we got the result we deserved.

"The measure of a good side is being able to win games while not on top form."