Chipping Sodbury were dispatched by in form Stroud as their two game winning run came to an end.

Sodbury hit an early penalty as the metronomic swing of Jon Cook made easy work from 25 metres. During the early exchanges the hosts dealt with Stroud’s attack, who were keeping it tight in the sopping conditions. Sodbury, on the other hand, looked to the wide open spaces, where they found some success. With the pack also engaged, they managed to keep the ball alive for 10+ phases on several occasions.

The first try of the game went to the visitors, when some intricate play was well read by Dan Gordon and once he had the ball he couldn’t be stopped, and set Stroud on their way. Sodbury kept going, though, and warmed the faithful but soaking crowd with some ambitious rugby.

The game was mostly being played between the 22’s with the teams negating each other. There were flashes of brilliance from Dan Bradley, Joe Horton, and Jon Cook, who found occasional space but Stroud were able to slam the door shut on these attacks.

As half time approached, Sodbury conceded a penalty 15 metres out, directly in front of their posts for breaking early from a scrum, Curtis Herbert added the three points before Regan Herbert scored a try, converted by Curtis to make it 17-3.

The second period began as the first ended, with the Sods under pressure from the visiting pack and they have never been known to take a backward step and that shone through during the next 15 minutes, as they repelled waves of attack. To the fore in this defensive effort were Otto Avent and George Barnes, along with a mesmeric display from Dave Turner, who really caught the selector’s eye. When Stroud then got a penalty 15m out and they opted for a scrum. Sodbury were finding this area of the game an uphill battle despite the tireless, manful efforts of props Alan Keeping and Joe Sanders, the latter of which found a way to put in 12 tackles during the match. Unfortunately for the Sods, even with Tom Head buzzing around the back of the scrum, Stroud found a way to the try-line through Regan Herbert.

After this setback Sodbury brought on Gavin Edgar and Martin O’Regan. Both men did what they’d been brought on for – Edgar ran hard and created, while O’Regan tackled everything that moved at sock level.

The hosts now enjoyed an extended period in Stroud’s half. Their lineout was working exceptionally well as the jumpers shrugged off the conditions and provided a steady stream of possession. This was mostly down to the exquisitely accurate throwing of one-time oche and tungsten technician Dave Guest. He also showed up around the field with searing runs and committed defence.

As the game neared it's conclusion, Stroud shouldered their way into Sodbury’s 22 and the Sods continued their best efforts to frustrate Stroud but the visitors were calm and patient, and eventually they crept in at the corner for the bonus point try. Stroud were ruthless in taking their chances and were very clinical.

Chipping Sodbury travel to Avonmouth for their next game this weekend.