The visitors were featuring numerous players with national league rugby experience, so this was always going to be a stern test for the Gloucester 1 squad.

With a strong pre season under their belts, the home side have three friendly games in the diary, all of which are against higher league opposition.

The battle of the two OC's was broken down into three twenty minute periods. As expected, exchanges were fast and intense with both sides trying new combinations and players sampling their first rugby in several months.

The game itself was evenly contested for periods, however Old Centralians showed their class with six tries and five conversions. Despite plenty of effort the home side didn't cross the try line.

Cryptians handed debuts to the impressive Jordan Hopwood and highly regarded Darnell Lotsu, who has just finished a summer on the 7s circuit.

The team were also bolstered by the return of Adam Proverbs after an injury disrupted 14/15 season and Graeme Thompson and John Morey following rugby sabbaticals.

Next up, Longlevens away this coming Saturday, 3pm kick off.

Mike Simmonds