Powergen Intermediate Cup

St Mary's Old Boys RFC 22 Stroud RFC 30

IT would be unfair to criticise two late tries that gave the result a closer complexion as this was easily Stroud's best performance of the season and underlines that despite a few missing regulars there is plenty of talent to step in.

Stroud had a heavier, superior pack and from the outset they stamped their authority on the game.

It came as no surprise when St Mary's were pushed back over their line at an attacking scrum for Steve Ireland, to touch down.

St Mary's responded when recent South African signing Danie Nothnagel burst through some flimsy Stroud defence to score, Franco Van Der Merwe missed the conversion having already spurned an easy penalty.

Julian Harry showed him how to kick when he added a penalty moments later to return Stroud's lead.

Another Stroud attack led to a scrum where St Mary's were again unceremoniously pushed over for Ireland to score and Harry extended the lead further with a good conversion.

Stroud's best move came from another set piece. John Farr attacked down the left-flank, the ball was switched between three pairs of hands before Darren Eagles, who had a terrific game, hared towards the posts to give Harry the easiest of kicks.

Stroud were comfortable being 22-5 at the break but credit to St Mary's they came out to play in the second half.

They had already showed a willingness to spread the ball and their movement across the backs was excellent.

Stroud had to work hard to defend but Nothnagel was given the benefit of a try from a close range penalty where at best there was a double movement, at worst a knock on as he crossed the line.

Stroud's infuriated team prevented poor Van Der Merwe from converting in front of the posts when his conversion was charged down.

Stroud responded and camped on St Mary's line. A succession of scrums to Stroud were awarded and even though the last seemed to have turned ninety degrees Dave Clutterbucks peel off the back to score was given.

St Mary's responded and attacked in an effort to claw their way back and did so, late on, as Stroud rang the changes.

Firstly Chris Randall showed a clean pair of heals as Stroud were caught thin wide out and after a difficult pass to Lyle Robertson didn't quite reach his fingers the loose ball was collected by Randall who did a repeat act.

St Mary's were within a score but Stroud steadied the ship and allowed the clock to run as Harry added a penalty in injury time to settle matters.

St Mary's may have their problems a division above Stroud but gave a polished display, and there is more to come.