Powergen Intermediate Cup Stroud RFC 16 Gloucester Old Boys RFC 22

LAST minute withdrawals did nothing to help Stroud's cause in a game that Old Boys edged on merit and where first half indiscipline was punished by Matt Sherratt.

Nevertheless, Stroud will come away from a game that they know they could have won against a one dimensional Old Boys and will have little to fear in South West One should they be promoted this season.

In addition, Rob Matts' performance at flanker will enhance his claim for a regular run in the number six shirt.

Stroud's Richard Howells opened with his second penalty attempt, however in a testy first half Old Boys Matt Sherratt slotted four of his own efforts before Stroud struck back.

A sweet move from a set scrum saw the ball flicked inside to winger Lyle Robertson who used his pace and power to score, Howells converted.

Old Boys had the last word of the first half when Sherratt split the posts with his fifth penalty.

Leading 15-10 and with their heavier pack having a marginal edge, Old Boys ought to have made better use of their possession, however Strouds' defence looked good with Rob Higgins, Matt Hart and Rob Matts having good games.

Howells had the first score of the second period with a penalty but from an attacking lineout the ball was fed to Old Boys most active contributor, Ian Kennedy, who forced his way over, Sherratt converted.

However, Stroud had a whiff of a win especially when Howells struck his third penalty to close the gap to a single score.

Nonetheless, Stroud could not find the elusive score needed despite trying to get the ball wide to Robertson who showed he is as destructive in attack as he is defending.