Hamsters take narrow win over Badgers Smiths Rugby 2nd XV won 15-10 vs Brockworth RFC 2nd XV in their Reserve League fixture in the ‘Hamster Cage’ at Prince of Wales Stadium.
Disappointed to play uncontested scrums from the start, Smiths didn’t let that bring them down as they soon found some weak tackles through aggressive running with their forwards. Despite making good yards, the final execution was not quite there with passes not going to hand or Smiths conceding turnovers. Once Smiths were able to string some phases together however,
Brockworth were forced to concede penalties and a spell of possession led to a try out wide for scrum half Sam Cook. A 5-0 half time lead didn’t really do all the home team’s hard work justice and now playing up the slope they had a job on their hands to come out on top. Brockworth were keen to use the gradient to their advantage but the Smiths back three mopped things up well with one such counter leading to their second try. Number 8 Ed Swire capped an outstanding overall performance by finishing an off the cuff move typical of the 2s this year. The conversion by Alex Whitbourn was good to take the score to 12-0. Brockworth quickly hit back with a try of their own an although against the run of play it sparked a purple patch for the visitors.
After another Brockworth try took the score to 12-10, Smiths clicked back into gear to take the majority of the play into the Brockworth 22. With only minutes remaining Smiths were awarded a simple penalty opportunity in front of the posts. Whitbourn again converted to settle nerves a little but Smiths still had some defending to do to see out the game. A tough contest for Smiths but their teamwork and focus saw them over the line. With a some new faces and a few playing out of position too it was to their credit that they pulled together.
Smiths 1st XV were held to a 20-20 draw by a resurgent Dursley side and will now look to North Bristol away next week and Old Colstonians at home on Sat 9th Feb.