Joe and Smiler make County Squad

Craig Boughton and Joe Tingle have both been selected for the County Colts squad.
They were first invited to an assessment day in August at Gordon League when, along with about another seventy players they were tested by a number of county coaches in different skills sessions ranging from passing, catching and tackling through to lineout and scrummaging.
From this they were asked to attend the first county trial at Stroud RFC on 24/9/12 where they played in three twenty minute sessions against the best club players at their age group.
Smiler had an excellent trial and due to the lack of front row forwards played in all three sessions. He caught the eye of Dave Hilton who was on the selection panel who singled out Smiler as his favourite of the props on view.
Joe played in the first session and led the line well in defence as well as showing good support play in attack.
Selection for the final trial saw them picked to play against the best of the accademy players

from Hartpury and Filton which took place again at Stroud on Thursday 27/9/12.
Both again showed that the experience of playing senior rugby gave them an advantage over others who had only played in colts and junior games.
Joe led the side from the start and revelled in the resposibility putting in some massive hits and setting up a try with a good off load.
The physicallity they both brought to their game was to much for some and they were both rewarded with selection into the final squad of players who will represent the County.
Gloucestershire will play games against Devon on 14/10/12 @Oakhampton, Dorset and Wiltshire on 28/10/12, Oxfordshire on 4/11/12 and Somerset on 18/11/12. The last three games will take place at Bristol Grammar School.
From these games players will be selected for the South West divional trials which will be held at Filton College in Bristol on 25/11/12. 

Craig ‘Smiler’ Boughton and Joe Tingle

The lads sharing a moment!