The hosts were looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat away at Cirencester the week before and were expecting to face a stern test against a team who had only lost once this season.

Cryptians fielded a strong side with plenty of youthful exuberance, along with numerous players with first team experience, demonstrating their current strength in depth. Both sides started brightly and after some frantic early exchanges the hosts took the lead. Following several phases, including a lineout maul which marched the visitors a full 30 metres backwards, Cryptians scored courtesy of Number 8 Ryan Dunne who benefited from a dominant scrum to score out wide. The try was expertly converted by captain Robert Trigg who led the side well from fly-half.

The score was soon followed by an infringement at the breakdown from Stroud and Trigg once again struck the ball sweetly to extend the lead to 10-0.

Stroud soon woke up and started to piece together a number of breaks, however errors and resolute defence rebuffed any chance of a score.

Midway through the half, Cryptians continued their forward dominance and once again the impressive Ryan Dunne, who was excelling along with his back row colleagues Jordan Smith and Joe Davie, scored his and Cryptians' second try after a quick tap penalty by scrum half Mike Simmonds found Dunne who bulldozed over the try line. Trigg again converted leaving the score at 17-0.

The half continued without further score however the visitors stated to come back into the game with their back three looking particularly dangerous with ball in hand.

With the visitors playing down the slope in the second half and seemingly fired up following a half-time pep talk from player-coach Rob Davey, they started to pose plenty of problems for Cryptians.

This early pressure didn't lead to a score as Cryptians worked well in defence, with prop Jordan Hopwood and second row Harry Cole relishing the physical exchanges. After a period of defence the half-back axis of Simmonds and Trigg worked the ball upfield, resulting in a penalty 30 metres out. Quick thinking from Trigg saw him spot pacy hooker James Weaver out wide. Trigg struck a well-positioned crossfield kick which allowed hooker Weaver to outpace the Stroud outside backs and somehow manage to control the ball to dot down for a well taken score. Trigg again converted to extend the lead to 24-0.

Stroud were however not done and were next to score. Further pressure on the Cryptians try line resulted in a converted try for the visitors from close range following several strong and physical forward phases, leaving the score at 24-7.

The remaining part of the fixture had the visitors pushing for further scores however the defence of the home side stayed strong and was not breached.

Cryptians will be delighted with this well-earned victory against a very strong second team, with Stroud deserving credit for playing their part in an engrossing fixture. The hosts had numerous standout performances and showed that when playing to the best of their ability, they can challenge even the strongest local second teams.

Mike Simmonds