FOLLOWING the recent cold snap and heavy snow Dursley were lucky to have their top pitch playable. Having been convincingly beaten by Painswick away earlier in the season there were high hopes that the tables would be turned at home.

Painswick stamped their authority and went eight points ahead from a penalty and an unconverted try by Tom Mahendran within the first 15 minutes. Dursley applied pressure and made several forays into the opposition 22 but had to wait until the 24th minute for a penalty which was kicked by fly half Grant Boucher. Painswick nullified those points with a Mahendran penalty minutes later. Scrum half Henry Pullin set up a break with an excellent dummy but play broke down without a score.

Pullin continued to frustrate his opposite number throughout the match, and winger Dave Sheldon covered his wing well and made several crucial try saving tackles. Despite efforts in the set piece by the Dursley front five of Daren Noble, Simon Camm, Andy Plumridge, Graham Dakin and Gareth Bell, they were not able to retain possession long enough to change the scoreline. Mahendran missed a penalty but on the stroke of half-time, added a converted try making the score, 18-3.

Playing with the wind in the second half brought Dursley a penalty in front of the posts after just five minutes, comfortably kicked by Boucher. Winger Brad Winchle was unlucky to be taken out off the ball following a grubber kick through the Painswick defence and a certain try scoring chance was missed. Flanker Tom Stevens made some good running yards, supported by No8 Dave Clutterbuck.

The scrum was strengthened by the return of Darcy-Wass, who replaced Plumridge after 20 minutes, and after winning several scrums against the head Dursley were rewarded with a further penalty from Boucher. With tempers running high and frustration setting in, the game became very scrappy and Stevens was given a yellow card. With five minutes to go, Rich Brookes replaced Dakin but despite the fresh legs Dursley were unable to add to the final scoreline.