Painswick march on to final

PAINSWICK eased into the final of the Stroud Combination Senior Cup with a victory over old rivals Cirencester on Saturday.

Finding themselves trailing 15-3 at the interval Painswick upped the intensity in the second half to score three tries to secure the win.

In the first half Cirencester took the game to Painswick and were rewarded with a couple of tries from their forwards, using the catch and drive at the lineouts to good effect.

It had to be said Painswick never helped their cause with two players being sent to the sin-bin in the first half.

The second half saw Painswick's forwards starting to dominate with flanker Matt Coombs and number eight Chris Hall to the fore.

With an endless supply of ball Painswick scored three tries through winger Dave Evans, scrum half Ewan Craig and fly-half Mark Bragg with Coombs adding a conversion and penalty to complete the scoring.

For Painswick Craig and Bragg had sound games but man of the match went to Matt Coombs who once again was outstanding.

* PAINSWICK entertain Smiths in a friendly, kick-off 2.30pm, at Broadham Fields on Saturday. Smiths 2nds 5 Painswick United 34

THE United progressed into the second round of the Cheltenham Combination Junior Cup with a six-try demolition of Smiths on Saturday.

Although never really getting out of second gear the United's forwards proved too strong for Smiths and won the majority of ball.

Adam Smith won good lineout ball and his brother Ashley won several strikes against the head in the set scrums. Try scorers for the United were number eight Paul Clarke, winger Ben Thomas, Nick Rogers, Chris Coombs, Adam Smith and James Booker, who also added two conversions to complete the scoring. The United now face Glos Police in the second round on Tuesday, March 29, kick-off 6pm, at Broadham Fields.

* FIXTURE for Saturday: Painswick 1st XV v Smiths (home, meet 1pm, kick-off 2.30pm). Teams selected after training on Tuesday evening. Any problems please ring Kev Harris on 07968400037.