Western Counties North Bristol Harlequins 24 Stroud 20

THIS game swung to each teams advantage on a lovely afternoon for rugby, sadly it wasn't to be for Stroud as they ended the stronger against a flagging Quins pack, writes Andy Toohig.

Quins had the better run of the ball in the early exchanges, mostly from Stroud's errors, and this led to the opening score as a sweeping move released Aaron Cook who cut a fine line to score. Chris Page missed the conversion but added a penalty shortly after.

Stroud returned to the attack and although their forwards had to make do with parity in the lineout they always had the edge in the front row either turning Quins, pushing them back or Rupert Wakefield taking the ball against the head.

Pressure was rewarded when the ball was fed to Eagle who had marshalled his unaccustomed spot well. He sidestepped the defence and scored wide out. Josh Lister struck an excellent conversion to narrow the gap.

Life became interesting when Lister also added a penalty to sneak Stroud in front but Page restored Quins' lead at the stroke of half time to give them an 11-10 advantage.

Quins struck early in the second half when Mike Corston went over, Page missed the conversion but made up when he added his third penalty. Stroud were battling to impose their game but Quins are a hardy bunch and take some turning over, as it was, although Lister struck his second penalty, Stroud were unable to defend against a sustained attack that saw Cook score his second try. Page kicked the tee instead of the ball that may almost have proved costly.

Andy Jarrett strode from the bench and reminded his opposing prop that life isn't all poetry as Stroud wore Quins pack down. Rob Davey also stretched his legs and gave Stroud hope as he scored with a few minutes to go on the back of probably eight phases of clean recycling, Lister added the extras. Stroud turned the screw and tried to pin an anxious Quins back but it wasn't to be as the referee, who officiated very well, blew after forty minutes. Stroud might have hoped for a few minutes of injury time though as another score was certainly on the cards.

Reunion

A STROUD reunion will take place this Saturday for anyone who has played for the Fromehall Park side during the last 60 years, or more. Stroud will welcome Old Cents that day.

Further details from John Partridge, call 01453 755655 (Work) or 01453 832709 (Home), or just turn up on the day from 12pm.