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Last-Kick Glory Caps Smiths Unbeaten Weekend

  • Writer: Adam Ginns
    Adam Ginns
  • Sep 15
  • 2 min read

Smiths Rugby enjoyed a memorable weekend at the Prince of Wales Stadium, with all three teams securing home victories and delivering performances that showcased the spirit and determination of the club.


Smiths Rugby Under 15's Flyhalf Ellis Francis converts three penalty kicks to edge one point victory against Royal Wootton Bassett.
Smiths Rugby Under 15's Flyhalf Ellis Francis converts three penalty kicks to edge one point victory against Royal Wootton Bassett.

Smiths United Continue Preseason Momentum

Kicking off Saturday’s double-header, Smiths United stormed to a 29–7 win over Painswick 1st XV in their second preseason friendly. Tries came courtesy of John Bryant, Harrison Cooper-Meadows, Joe Hosler, Keiron Roberts, and Tom Wardell, as United followed up last week’s 51–31 triumph at Dursley 2nd XV with another convincing display.


Smiths United Scrumhalf, Tom Gordon breaks through Painswick's defence.
Smiths United Scrumhalf, Tom Gordon breaks through Painswick's defence.

Debutant No. 8 Will Matthews was named Player of the Match after an outstanding all-round performance. With their Counties 4 league campaign set to begin on 4th October, the squad looks in fine shape.


1st XV Bounce Back in Style

Next up, the Smiths 1st XV produced an emphatic response to last week’s defeat, overcoming Old Elizabethians 1st XV 45–24 in their Counties 2 league fixture.


Smiths Rugby 1st Team overpowering Old Elizabethans in the maul.
Smiths Rugby 1st Team overpowering Old Elizabethans in the maul.

Tries from Luke Cador, Dan Jarvis, Archie Long, Mitch Renton and Duncan Spurrier capped a much-improved team display. Centre Charles Peters earned Player of the Match honours for his commanding contribution in attack and defence.


Under 15's Steal the Show

On Sunday, it was the Smiths Under 15s who provided the weekend’s most dramatic contest, edging past Royal Wootton Bassett Under 15s 16–14 in a nail-biting finish.

Despite facing a strong headwind in the first half, Smiths defended bravely to concede only once. In the second half, they seized the momentum with a try from Dylan, while Player of the Match Ellis Francis controlled territory superbly with pinpoint kicking.

After battling into a 13–7 lead, Smiths were pegged back late on to trail 13–14. But with the clock running down, Ellis stepped up with nerves of steel, landing a near-touchline penalty from 30 metres to seal victory at the death.


Smiths Rugby Under 15's celebrate after the Final Whistle.
Smiths Rugby Under 15's celebrate after the Final Whistle.

Head Coach Duncan Simpson reflected on the U15s’ back-to-back thrillers:

“Over the last two Sundays Smiths U15s have learnt a great deal about the fine lines between winning and losing. Two superb performances that both came down to the last play of the game. The next generation have understood the club’s culture—fronting up, battling to the last second—and demonstrated it in spades today. Up the Smiths!”

Thanks to the Officials

A special word of thanks goes to Stu Cole and Adam Ginns, who admirably stepped in to referee the United and Under 15s fixtures. Their efforts ensured the games ran smoothly and were greatly appreciated by players and supporters alike.


What’s Next?

Smiths Rugby look forward to another exciting set of home fixtures this weekend:

  • Saturday 20th September

    • 1st XV (Home) vs Old Patesians 1st XV – Community Cup

    • United (Home) vs Minchinhampton 2nd XV – Friendly

  • Sunday 28th September

    • Under 15s (Home) vs Old Cryptians


 
 
 

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