Gloucester Premier

Stroud 45 Frampton Cotterell 33

A STORMING second half performance from Frampton Cotterell was not enough to stop them from slipping to a second consecutive defeat at Stroud.

Things looked great for Frampton with a superb start, scoring a try from their first attacking lineout.

Quick ball to the charging Josh Carpet to set up the ruck, and then the ball went through the hands to the left wing, where Craig Smith dived over the line.

However, as with the week before, once Stroud started keeping the ball the cracks appeared in Frampton's defence and 33 unanswered points followed.

After another seven points for Stroud just after half-time it looked like it was going to be a long half for Frampton, but what followed left supporters of both teams breathless. Captain Paul Whitehead, celebrating his 30th birthday, led the way.

Frampton ran everything at Stroud from everywhere on the pitch, and suddenly the gaps were there, with Matt Lawrence (2), and Tom Johnson going over the line.

Lawrence converted all three tries to make the score 40-26.

Frampton started to believe they could do something special, but a lapse in concentration let Stroud in for their final try.

With players from both teams littering the pitch from exhaustion, Frampton got their four-try bonus point through hooker Matt Jones, crawling over the line with three defenders trying to pull him down, again converted by Lawrence.

GRFU Reserve Leagues South One

Barton Hill 2nds 12 Frampton Cotterell 15

FRAMPTON Cotterell seconds travelled to Barton Hill and picked up a fine win.

They did this with superb dogged defence and some outstanding counter attacking play, with the ball going through the hands of the backs to the wingers.

Liam Giles scored a superb poacher's try, and fellow winger Kobie McGlashan finished off one excellent solo effort from halfway as well as one final great team try.

Friendly

Frampton Cotterell 3rds 19 Barton Hill 3rds 26

WITH many sides struggling to field three teams, Frampton made great efforts to get as many out on the field to ensure a fixture against Barton Hill.

Barts ran out winners but Frampton's mistakes on their try line cost them dearly.

Frampton scored three tries through lock Adam Ford, centre Ash Snaddon and scrum half Phil Salvage.

Prop Simon Branton kicked two conversions.

Ex-Bristol and Bath player Barry Whitehead made a cameo appearance and father and son Steve and Jack Weaver played in the forwards.

Man of match went to reliable full back John Dean.