Silhillians 10-3 Cheltenham North

Silhillians RUFC 10 – Cheltenham North RUFC 3
 
The mud and rain did little to dampen home spirits on Saturday, as the Sils ran out victorious in this nail-biting contest against league newcomers Cheltenham North.
 
On a day that promised good conditions, but then proceeded to deliver a true winter’s afternoon, chances of a high-scoring game were slim at best. Coupled with the fact that neither side was entirely familiar with the other’s style of play, the result came to rest not just on which side made the most of the few opportunities on offer, but which wanted it more. This proved to be the Sils.
 
Both teams started well, and the theme for the day was quickly realised as North used the strong wind to peg the Sils back in their own half. Making use of their heavy pack to set up camp and attack the Sils line, the visitors were nevertheless only able to muster a solitary penalty for their efforts, and it was with great self-belief that the Sils, in the face of wretched conditions, reached the turn only 3-0 down.
 
The Sils had certainly had their own chances in the first forty, the best starting with a fine break by Steve Hawkins down the left. Popping to winger Nic Powell in support, the Sils’ own speedster was off, only to be dragged down by the covering defence two metres from the line. North then managed to turn over the ball as the home support lost its footing, securing the penalty and clearing their lines. 3-0 at half-time.
 
The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with both sides doing their level best to unlock previously rock solid defences. It was the Sils who were to draw first blood, however, as the home pack made the most of excellent field position from a Jim Roper kick to stretch the North line with a series of pick and drives. Flanker Simon Andrews, in particular, was notable in attack, making a series of bustling runs from the base of ruck and scrum. As the ball was spun out deep within Cheltenham territory, the Sils backs finally found a yard of space to go through the line, with a quick pass out to winger Joe Brawn allowing the winger to dive in at the corner for an excellent team score. 5-3 to the Sils.
 
Cheltenham were jolted into action by the try, and a tap penalty on their own twenty-two almost resulted in a length of the pitch solo effort from their thirteen. Scrambling home defence was to snuff the scoring opportunity out, though at the cost of a very kickable penalty to put the visitors a point ahead. Cue sighs of relief as the ball was sliced wide.
 
The last twenty was to prove a nerve-wracking period for both sets of supporters, as the Sils looked to apply the coup de grace whilst shutting out the prospect of a sickening late score from the visitors. On several occasions, only a last ditch tackle prevented a Cheltenham player breaking free, with scrum half Harry Law in particular making a vital challenge on his opposite number, who was otherwise away.
 
The Sils certainly did not retreat into their own shells to protect the lead, and the obvious desire to close the game out with several attacks on the Cheltenham line was perhaps the most impressive trait of the win, one that was eventually rewarded following another strong set piece from the Sils pack. As the home defence pressed up on a scrappy Cheltenham line out, a problem area for the visitors all afternoon, the visiting twelve spilled the pill under pressure, and it was with a clean pair of heels that Powell picked up the loose ball and applied the after-burners to leave his opposite man trailing. 10-3 the final score and an excellent result going into a tough series of fixtures these next couple of weeks.