Chipping Sodbury 5 Cheltenham Tigers 36

Chipping Sodbury had a day to forget as they fell to a heavy home defeat against Cheltenham Tigers.

The visitors came to the Ridings with a new-look team and little to lose.

From the off they looked to have more organisation and enthusiasm; they definitely had more line speed, which forced Sodbury back whenever they attacked. Nearly the whole first 40 minutes was played in Sodbury’s half – the only high point for the hosts was a try by Jon Cook on 13 minutes.

A lineout on halfway was won by Matt Cook and the ball sent right.

Chipping Sodbury thundered through two phases then Jake Lewis, a crazy-legged box of tricks who was in at No.10, kicked over the rushing defence.

The chase was strong and, under pressure, Tigers’ full-back fumbled horribly, leaving the door wide open for Cook to dive on the ball and score.

Tigers went ahead from a five metre scrum when their No. 8 bullied his way over after a swift pick-up at the base.

A penalty soon followed, which kept the pressure on the home side. As usual, J.Cook was finding gaps and making rapid metres, while Pete Butcher made light of a thumb injury that he picked up while hitch-hiking.

He too seared a path through the defence and always crossed the gain line.

The second period was more of the same as individual errors cost Sodbury dear.

The penalty count was surprisingly low despite the pressure the Sods were under.

Gareth Hollywell showed up well around the field while putting in a muscular display at tighthead.

Dan Cole continued to hit the line hard and Lance Cassemis got through a mountain of defensive work, as did Jason Petchey.

Eventual Man of the Match Lee Ralph stood up and was counted as he tirelessly cleared ruck after ruck.

Sodbury spent much more time in Tigers’ half but were the architects of their own downfall.

Each time they built pressure, a knock-on or turnover stopped them dead.

Tigers went on to score three more tries in the second half and secure an easy bonus point.

It’s now three defeats in four for Sodbury who lie in sixth place in the Tribute Western Counties North league.

They are back in action this weekend with a difficult trip to league leaders Chew Valley.

Elsewhere, Chipping Sodbury’s Second XV were beaten 31-10 at home against Barton Hill Second XV.