Tewkesbury 5 Dursley 36

Dursley made the short trip up the M5, returning with a well-deserved five-point haul, writes Ian Perrett.

The first 15 minutes saw the visitors pack take control of the scrum which they never relinquished; despite this the score board was untroubled as some sloppy handling prevented best use of the dominance. It was surprising that it took until 24 minutes for the first score of the match, a good touch kick from Boucher saw the lineout ball secured and moved across the pitch three phases later an intelligent line from Cole saw him cross for the try, Boucher adding the two points. Dursley continued to press forward and on 32 minutes after several phases of open play Tewkesbury knocked on five meters out, the inevitable happened as Dursley pushed over for Camm to score, Boucher took it to 14-0. On half-time the visitors scored their third try when Ford intercepted a pass and raced away to score in the corner for a half-time score of 19-0.

Dursley stepped up a gear in the second half much to the dismay of the home supporters, the front row of Morgan, Cowley and Chappell were mobile all over the pitch ably supported by mean tackling machine Plumridge. Against the run of play the home side crossed in the corner after 54 minutes for a score of 19-5.

Dursley took the bonus point two minutes later from well worked move which saw Swift take the ball down the wing at pace to cross the line, Boucher extended the lead to 26-5. Dursley continued to attack and defend with ease, Caddick punching holes wherever he went and, Lennard dictating play around the breakdowns with sniping runs and intelligent grubber kicks. Another team move saw the ball taken over by Cowley on 62 minutes for 31-5. Dursley had chances to extend their lead but waited until the 75th minute when a powerful run down the wing from Goodison, saw Pinker in support who crossed in the corner for a final score of 36-5.