Dursley 5 Gloucester Old Boys 3

Dursley narrowly defeated Gloucester Old Boys in a two-score game on a sticky pitch, writes Ian Perrett.

The home side were three points behind after six minutes following a penalty in front of the posts. Dursley were made to defend as the confident Old Boys continued to attack through the forwards and mobile back line. Dursley found their footing after 30 minutes following a powerful run from Camm who off loaded to Sutton to smartly finish in the corner from the narrowest of angles, Boucher hitting the post from the touchline with the conversion. The uneventful first half ended with both sides very much in the game.

The introduction of Kirby and Jaep changed the second half in Dursley favour as the scrum began to exert the pressure lacking in the first half, a penalty was awarded five meters inside Old Boys half for standing up in the scrum. Boucher steeped up and played the crossbar challenge, unfortunately it was the underside. The scrum dominance allowed the backs to be released with both Caddick and Cole punching holes in the visitor’s defence. Dursley looked to have extended their lead following a trademark five metre scrum and march over the line, unfortunately Camm knocked on at the vital point. Dursley threatened Old Boys try line over the remaining 20 minutes of the game with Hayward and Ford going close, but when the final whistle was blown the home side were happy to continue their unbeaten run even if there was no six appeal.