Led out by the incredibly good looking second team captain, a side with a good mixture of youth and pace mixed with the experience of some club stalwarts took to the field with plenty of confidence, but it was Hucclecote that had the better of the early stages, using good structure to pick through gaps in the Cryptians defence and take an early 22-0 lead.

As the first half progressed Cryptians grew in confidence and some outstanding defence by Ryan Godwin and brilliant link up play between Dom Bifulco and Harri Davies meant Cryptians went into half time having scored 2 quick tries through Davies to bring the score back to 22-12, with more left out there thanks to some questionable handling out wide.

The second half was one to forget for Cryptians as Hucclecote, boosted by some strong half time substitutions ran in several unanswered tries, despite the best efforts of the Cryptians defence, with Ryan Godwin again putting in several strong tackles, and Oli Wilkes performing well in a first game at full back.

A much improved scrummaging performance in the second half was particularly pleasing with Will Pearce playing in only his second senior game holding string against an experienced Hucclecote front row, supported by the experienced Khiam Barry putting a shift in at tight head.

Plenty of positives to take from a difficult afternoon and we are ready to start the league season away at Minchinhampton in a few weeks time.

MOTM - Ryan Godwin
DOTD - Charlie Simmonds