DURSLEY’S rising star Ollie Winterbottom scored a hat-trick of tries as Gloucestershire recorded a comprehensive victory over Middlesex in the quarter-final of the National Under-20s County Championship.

Outside half Joe Hall (Cleve) struck a penalty goal, precisely from 35 metres out to put the county ahead.

However, the visitors turned over Gloucestershire ball and exploited a lack of home defenders on the blind side to score an excellent try under the posts.

The conversion was a formality and a tight game looked likely.

On their first real visit into the Middlesex 22, Gloucestershire used their set piece advantage well and prop Kane Newport (Cleve) scored a try close to the posts. Hall converted.

Then a clearing kick by Hall bounced awkwardly and winger Winterbottom stormed onto it to race in from 60 metres.

Hall converted and after the restart flanker Jack Preece scored in the corner.

Five minutes later a poor kick by Middlesex was run back by Winterbottom and again Preece was in support to score.

Preece completed a hat-trick when he remarkably won the chase for his own kick ahead. Hall converted.

A further five tries were scored by the home side with Winterbottom, who currently plays for Cinderford in National Two, scoring another two.

Haile was on the score sheet and replacement hooker Luke Fisher (Hartpury) finished off with a try for ten in total.

Dursley’s Stefan Hawley converted one and Chris Surman (Cheltenham) added two successful conversions.

Gloucestershire are away to Leicestershire, 27-21 winners over Lancashire, in the semi-final on Sunday, April 19 at a venue to be confirmed.