Western Counties North Stroud 24 North Bristol 12

STROUD got their season off to a flying start with a deserved win at Fromehall Park.

New captain James Bashford handed debuts to Josh Lister and Noah Wace.

Stroud's front row of Bashford, Rupert Wakefield and Andy Jarrett ably supported with plenty of grunt from the five behind them took North's set piece play apart.

Stroud's first score came from a push over try that Steve Ireland claimed and Julian Harry converted. A couple of penalties from Martin Lambourne and one from Harry saw Stroud with a half time lead of 10-6.

Stroud were first to nudge the scoreboard in the second period when Andy Jarrett appeared wide on the wing to finish off the first real fluent move of the game, Harry added a fine conversion. North's Lambourne though added another brace of penalties.

However, John Farr showed a clean pair of heels to North's defence that ended the game as a contest, Harry added the extras.

* STROUD visit Yatton next Saturday whilst the Nomads brush their cobwebs away with the visit of Bridgewater to Fromehall Park. The Goths welcome Longlevens