Smiths beat Stroud in Friday Night Fixture

Smiths 1st XV kept their hopes of promotion alive with a bonus point win vs Stroud RFC at Prince of Wales Stadium.

A compelling Friday Night Lights fixture was part two of a successful evening that saw former England international turned successful podcaster Andy Goode entertaining club members and sponsors before kick off (more details below).

The match itself was an even contest for a good chunk of the game. After some end to end stuff in the first period, Smiths went in to an early 12-0 lead with tries from scrum half Dan Jarvis and hooker Mitch Renton. Stroud hit back with a try of their own and with penalty kicks exchanged, the game remained close at 15-10.

Another Smiths try from prop Tayler Johnstone restored the home team's two score advantage at 20-10 but Stroud hit back again with a penalty kick and another try to tie the game up at 20-20.

Smiths then started to take more control of the game and scrum pressure led to a penalty try and a 27-20 lead. A further Stroud penalty was their last scoring action before Smiths chalked up three more tries to finish.

Fly half Oli Aherne, replacement flanker Tom Langton and a final score from Jarvis saw Smiths finish up 46-23 winners in an entertaining contest. Man of the match - Archie Long.

Smiths United battle bravely in Matson defeat

The United side travelled to Matson 2nd XV for a tough fixture vs a club three leagues higher at 1st XV level. Starting quickly, Smiths had opportunities in Matson's 22 but couldn't make any count on the scoreboard. Scrum half Jack Birks was lively throughout and made or assisted a number of line breaks.One set of phases ended with Cam Wilkinson touching down only for the referee to be unsighted and not able to award the score.

Some brave defence, typified by flanker Ethan Long, frustrated Matson with parity in the scrum and driving mauls dismantled at source. Half time closed an absorbing first period with the score remaining 0-0.

Smiths suffered a few injuries that set them back in the fixture and caused them the rejig both pack and backline. Pressure from the home side eventually told as they took a 7-0 lead which was then doubled.

The visitors hit back with lengthy spells of possession and territory but as in the first half, couldn't turn pressure into points. Matson recovered to add a third score and take a 19-0 lead. A last effort from Smiths was snuffed out again and they had to end the match disappointed but not disheartened. Birks and Long were named backs and forwards men of the match respectively.

Smiths U15s lose game of two halves at Old Crypts

Smiths U15s were quick out of the blocks with a 0-19, then 10-24 away lead vs Old Cryptians on Sunday.

22 unanswered points from the home side switched the game with Crypts strengthening their side in the 2nd period. The 32-24 final score wasn't a fair reflection of the hard work Smiths put into the fixture. Man of the man was forward Ellis Carrel.

This weekend sees another full set of fixtures with the 1s travelling to league rivals Frampton Cotterell, United home vs Ledbury 2s and U15s welcoming Coney Hill to POW.