Gloucester Premier

Painswick 17 Dursley 13

IN A game of fluctuating fortunes, Dursley were narrowly beaten by fellow strugglers and local rivals Painswick in a joint league and Stroud Combination Cup clash.

Second row Adam Smith dived over for an unconverted try to give Painswick the perfect start.

Painswick increased their lead when Lewis Stone touched down and Gavin Worrall added the conversion.

Dursley then took control and Joe McGough dived over for an unconverted try on the stroke of half-time.

Going uphill, Painswick again took control at the start of the second half. Sam Andrews burst through strongly and seemed set to score when he was brought back for an obstruction decision.

Dursley kicked the penalty to the corner and from the lineout Tom Broomfield burst through to score near the post.

Dursley took control and eventually took a slender one-point lead as Dan Brooks kicked a penalty.

However, Painswick broke from deep and Russ Thornton was taken out off the ball by a crude tackle by his opposite winger, Jack Robson as he raced clear to collect the ball. The referee had no hesitation in reaching for the yellow card.

Thornton then used the space to burst along the touchline for a superb try in the corner.

Worrall narrowly missed the conversion with an excellent effort.

With 14 men, Dursley fought back bravely and stretched the home defence for the final ten minutes, but Painswick held out to clinch the win.