Students hand out a lesson to Dursley (From Gazette Series)

Students hand out a lesson to Dursley

Gloucestershire League Division Two Hartpury College 100 Dursley 7

FULL-TIME rugby students and champions elect Hartpury College clocked up a three-figure scoreline against Dursley.

In the last meeting, the visitors nearly pulled off a shock win after leading for an hour but this time there was to be no repeat performance.

The college side, who boast a smattering of international stars of the future within their ranks, have not lost all season and were much improved since the last encounter. It would take a brave man to bet against them winning the league above undefeated next season.

Credit to Dursley, even though they were well-beaten by half-time, they never let their heads drop and when they did manage to get their hands on the ball, looked strong and physical. Unfortunately, these opportunities were few and far between.

Late on in the second half, Dursley were awarded a penalty on the hosts' 22.

Dursley opted for the most potent weapon in their armoury and chose to scrummage, having posed problems for the college side all afternoon.

Hartpury were unable to contain the pressure and were forced up, conceding another penalty. A re-scrum was called and a tremendous drive ensued from the Dursley eight and the only way Hartpury could prevent a try was by foul means, the referee not hesitating to run under the posts to award a penalty try.

A small moral victory against the full-time side, who were desperate to keep a clean sheet.