Narrow margin

STROUD made a rod for their own back in a game that was far from a spectacle, but contained everything, and almost defeat.

Earlier, Old Cents could do much to contain the early onslaught that ended with Andy Jarrett being forced over the line.

Stroud underlined their dominance when Mike Thornley finished a clinical move that saw the full- back join the line to score, Julian Harry converted. Old Cents had their moments and Chris Anderson slotted a penalty after a Stroud indiscretion.

Although Harry restored Stroud's advantage with a penalty, Stroud had gone off the boil, perhaps disappointed that promising attacks had not been rewarded, Brian Pearse and Thornley each spurning openings.

Old Cents took advantage with this loss of concentration and nicked a try wide out when Rich Stokes went over.

More confusion followed when an Anderson penalty attempt went wide, the flags stayed down but the restart came from the centre spot with the referee confirming three points to Old Cents.

Stroud regained the initiative when at the end of the first period a prolonged series of penalties were awarded against Old Cents.

A couple of catch and drives didn't work, but two powerful scrums did the trick as Old Cents were driven over their line.

Had it not been for Jesse Owens doing his bit at number eight then maybe a penalty try would have been a consideration, as it was Stroud led 20-11 at half-time.

The second half wasn't pretty. A mass brawl broke out at a ruck when boots were wiped on backs and the referee made a random selection of a player from each team to sit out ten minutes.

However, Owens scored again from a pushover try. Stroud were in complete control, however, Anderson's penalty saw Old Cents dig deep. Old Cents took full advantage when firstly Rob Matts was binned, closely followed by Owens.

Down to thirteen men Stroud struggled to cover the field and Dave Minns scored in the corner, Anderson converted well.

Stroud were caught again when Thornley mis-timed his line of tackle and Rich Pinkney scored, again Anderson converted.

Down three points and with time running away all seemed lost but Andy Jarrett became Stroud's saviour.

A decent flowing attack saw him barge through a couple of tackles.

Support went left and Old Cents followed believing that's where the offload would go.

It didn't. Jarrett now unattended turned on a sixpence and cut a lonely figure as he breezed to the line, Harry converted.

STROUD welcome Bristol Harlequins on Saturday. The Nomads travel to Keynsham and the Goths entertain Cirencester.