RUGBY UNION: Chipping Sodbury kick off season with win at Hucclecote

Hucclecote 11 Chipping Sodbury 28

CHIPPING Sodbury posted a win on the road in the first Gloucester Premier league game of the season.

It was a story of great effort, line breaks and some wonderful skills, though, ultimately, Sodbury never really found top gear and vital try-scoring chances were missed.

Dan Bradley opened the scoring with a penalty from thirty metres.

Both teams were flat out at each other during the first quarter, with Sodbury soaking up the pressure in their own 22.

Communication was key and Sods easily turned defence into attack, with exciting runners John Cook and Joe Horton shining.

Once in the host’s 22, Sodbury came up short, giving away penalties, which let Hucclecote off the hook.

There were successful penalty kicks for each side but Sodbury looked the more dangerous of the teams as Pullen battered the defence mercilessly.

In five crazy minutes, two Hucclecote players saw yellow, one for a high tackle and one for upending Pete Butcher.

Bradley slotted a penalty, making the score 9-3.

From an attacking line-out, Steve Hopes was launched skyward to collect the ball.

The pack set up a driving maul which eventually saw Pullen burst up the blindside for a try, which Bradley converted.

In first-half injury time, Sodbury had a line-out which saw the Sodbury building the phases proficiently. Al Keeping popped up at scrum half to deliver a crisp pass, two passes later the ball found Butcher to power over.

As the second half started, Sodbury’s line speed in defence was aggressive enough to force Hucclecote back 30m on occasion.

But Hucclecote kicked a penalty but worryingly started a period of pressure that saw Sods trapped in their own 22.

The Sodbury travelling support are well used to seeing the spectacular from Bradley but on 25mins he drew gasps from the crowd. He caught a Hucclecote clearance just inside their half then stood still, assessing his options. He swerved, skipped, handed off and simply out-paced the defence for an amazing try which he also converted.

This effectively put the game out of reach by Hucclecote were able to creep in for a try. Sodbury had a chance at a bonus point when Chris Hamilton intercepted a pass but he was short.