Cents battle to win over an improved Stroud side.

Cents were made to work hard for this latest win over a Stroud side who had the benefit of playing the away side at home last week.Stroud tightened up their performance from last week in the cup game and tackled much better plus their forwards cut off good quality ball for the young Cents side.
However, Cents still managed to get the win they wanted and any win at Stroud is hard earned.With Chard beating the Hornets,Cents moved into second place in the Western Counties North league and this latest victory made the Anniversary /Memorial Dinner get off to a good start.

Cents led 5-7 at the break with Michael Mathers scoring Cents try in the first few minutes.Craig Anderson converted the try and Stroud replied with an unconverted try of their own.As the score suggests the first half was even stevens with both sides having chances to improve their scores,but in general the defences held firm.

The second half was very much the same as the first half but Cents stretched their lead to 5-13 when Craig Anderson slotted a penalty goal and a drop kick.Stroud battled hard to score again but Cents defence held firm with one or two scares from the home side.
Cents sealed the victory in the dying moments when Ryan Townsend crashed over near the posts and Craig Anderson converted the try for a final score line of 5-20 to the away side.

Cents will be the first to admit this was not a vintage performance,however nothing must be taken away from Stroud who battled hard and thought they deserved something from this match.Cents should not take anything for granted in this league because all the teams in the league are quite capable of beating anyone on their day.
Cents now turn to next weeks match when they are at home to Barton Hill,a side who beat them at home last season and they are more than capable of beating the young Cents side if they do play at their best.