EDF ENERGY SENIOR VASE: Stroud 5 Gordon League 6

Stroud had the better of the first half and took the lead when a flowing move along the line put Alex Pilbeam in for an unconverted try.

At this stage, it looked as though Stroud would go on to score more points but silly mistakes, allied to determined defending by League, saw the interval arrive with the lead still a slender 5-0.

Gordon League came into the game more in the second half and put Stroud under pressure in the middle of the park without ever threatening the Stroud line.

The alarm bells should have been ringing when Stroud were penalised at a ruck and young full- back Ben Smith cut the deficit with a well struck kick. The lesson was not learned, however, and five minutes later, Stroud conceded another penalty at a ruck giving Smith an easier kick which he put over between the uprights for a one point lead.

Going into the final 10 minutes, Stroud attempted to raise their game in search of the winning score but it was not forthcoming and they were left to reflect on the danger of giving away silly penalties.

Stroud:M.Fogarty;P.Sykes,L.Robertson,D.Gordon,A.Pilbeam;I.Bushell,J.Wand(Capt.);B.Brinkworth,R.Wakefield,A.Jarrett,J.Owens,R.Higgins,R.Matts,A.Tarplee, J.Martin.

Star man: Alex Pilbeam.