Drybrook Rugby Club

Drybrook
Bideford

Match Postponed.
Rearranged for Saturday 4th February

Cinderford Stags 18pts
Drybrook United 7pts

This match was played out in front of a large Dockham Road crowd on a bitterly cold afternoon where Cinderford always looked the more cohesive unit and consequently eased to victory.
Drybrook had all the territory and pressure in the opening 20 minutes but failed to capitalise on it with a missed Rhys Gardner penalty effort the closest they got.
The Stags eventually got down field and on their first excursion into Drybrook territory they opened their account. A strong driving maul took play up to the 22 metre line and after several probes; flanker Scott Powell beat several players on a strong run to the line.
Cinderford almost got a second try when Drybrook had a 5 on 2 overlap but an interception nearly led to a score at the other end only for the try to be disallowed.
The Stags extended their lead with a penalty on 35 minutes and just before the interval they grabbed a second try. It was that man Powell again who cleverly dabbed the ball down in the corner before he was bundled into touch.

Half Time:
Cinderford Stags 13pts
Drybrook United nil

Drybrook started the second half well and got a try back when winger Kane Hale dived through a pile of players following a ruck on the Cinderford line. Rhys Gardner converted but for a long period after this Cinderford remained in control.
Some stout defence kept the Stags out for a long period but eventually some good running and support play led to a third try.
With time running out Drybrook’s Mitch Hale was given a yellow card but the visitors rallied strongly in search of a losing bonus point try. Unfortunately it did not come as a combination of white line fever and hearty Cinderford tackling meant they could not close the gap.

Drybrook United XV; Rhys Gardner, Jack Freeman, Nathan Tucker, Matt Freeman, Kane Hale, Simon Rugman (Capt), Gareth Holdsworth, Mitch Hale, Dean Jelf, Anthony Suter, Joe James, Jim Rugman, Jack Whiting, Reece Lane, Len Mulhane.
Replacements; Marcus Cowles, Steve Virgo, Tom Treherne, Alex Smailes

Hardwicke and Quedgeley
Drybrook Extras

Having been informed that the pitch was playable, Drybrook Extras had the misfortune of travelling to Hardwicke and Quedgeley RFC for their Gloucester Reserve league 4 match, only for it to be called off due to the frosty and dangerous conditions.