Saturday marked the long awaited return of league rugby to the Whiteway for the start of the 1st XV’s league campaign in a home fixture against a very physical Matson side. Conditions were set fair and the greatly anticipated first league game got off to the best possible start with scrum half Tom Woodward showing his speed and agility to cross the whitewash for the first try of the season.
A wonderful opening 25 minutes of attacking pressure from the red and black side saw the boys take a commanding 19-0 lead utilising the shape pattern the new coaching team had implemented in the off season. Some creative half back play and aggressive ball carrying from the forwards saw Tom Mills score his first try of the afternoon and Tom Dykes crash over for another well worked Cirencester try.
Slight ill-discipline in the Cirencester 22 gave Matson a chance to get on the score sheet before half time through a well taken penalty kick. This didn’t stop the Cirencester train from rolling on as Gareth Owen forced his way over the line from a very well worked 5 metre line out catch and drive. A special mention to 1st XV debutant Max Maillard who threw the ball accurately into the line out as well as providing an excellent scrummaging platform for the backs to launch their strike plays. Cirencester's off season player recruitment is paying off.
A wonderful opening 25 minutes of attacking pressure from the red and black side saw the boys take a commanding 19-0 lead utilising the shape pattern the new coaching team had implemented in the off season. Some creative half back play and aggressive ball carrying from the forwards saw Tom Mills score his first try of the afternoon and Tom Dykes crash over for another well worked Cirencester try.
Slight ill-discipline in the Cirencester 22 gave Matson a chance to get on the score sheet before half time through a well taken penalty kick. This didn’t stop the Cirencester train from rolling on as Gareth Owen forced his way over the line from a very well worked 5 metre line out catch and drive. A special mention to 1st XV debutant Max Maillard who threw the ball accurately into the line out as well as providing an excellent scrummaging platform for the backs to launch their strike plays. Cirencester's off season player recruitment is paying off.
The second half started with 8 minutes of Matson possession and territory with Cirencester working tirelessly in defence to keep them at bay. Brilliant breakdown work by Jack Harrison saw Cirencester force the turnover and from this attacking platform the players were able to score from a very creative scrum move which lead to Tom Woodward scoring his second try of the afternoon. This kickstarted the second half for the Cirencester men and through patient attack and aggressive defence Cirencester were able to build their lead to 47-3 thanks to two further tries from man of the match Tom Woodward and accurate place kicking from fly half Will Lowe, nailing 6 from 7 kicks.
A lapse in concentration in the final moments of the game saw the Matson winger dance past 3 tired Cirencester defenders to score their first try of the afternoon. The final whistle blew and it was a perfect 5 point start for the men in red and black. A few notable mentions of other Cirencester players, congratulations to Jake Milliner, Bailey Tibbles and Dan Galeford who also made their 1st XV debuts, and finally a mention to Joe Hammond who after 995 days, 1 major back surgery, a new baby (and another on the way) and a global pandemic, finally made his return to 1st XV Rugby at Cirencester really showing exactly what this club is about.
Head coach Will Mawby commented: "After 591 days without a competitive league match Cirencester put down a statement. Obviously at this stage of the season there are work on's but as a club, backed up by a thriving M&Y set up, we are excited about what this group of players can do."
"Everyone at the club is hugely excited for the season ahead and look forward to welcoming you all at Whiteway in the coming months.”
Next up Cirencester sees the 1st XV away to Old Centralians II and the 2nd XV hosting Gordon League at the Whiteway on Saturday 2nd October.
Interested in playing or getting your kids involved? Please get in touch.
