First XV

Cryptians season which had started so well ended on a disappointing note, when already promoted Service scored a controversial try deep into stoppage time with the final play of the game.

Electing to play up the Memorial Ground slope and against the elements Cryptians made the brighter start and were immediately rewarded with a Marc Blackford Penalty. The visitors, with a strong wind at their backs, responded with a series of high balls deep into home territory, one of which resulted in centre Sam Roberts capitalising on a missed catch to score a try converted by Flyhalf Paul Ogden.

The lead changed hands again after twenty minutes when quick thinking by scrum half Jan Keller put Blackford over for a try from a tap penalty. Cryptians then conceded two needless penalties well within the range of Ogden, who punished them both times to give his side a five point advantage at the break.

Again starting the stronger side Cryptians pressurised down the slope and were unlucky not to score on several occasions, although drew within three points through another Blackford penalty. With lock Neil Brooks, playing his last game before retiring, leading the pack by example ,Cryptians edged into the lead with five minutes of normal time remaining when Blackford landed his third penalty. With the referee signalling one minute of stoppage time remaining, Cryptians were unable to secure the ball following a Cheltenham scrum, and despite some good defensive work ,watched winger Dan Bailey touch down from a seemingly clear forward pass.

Cryptians tamely surrendered any possibility of a return to Division One with a lethargic performance in South Bristol on Saturday. Neither side in the first quarter produced any notable rugby, the deadlock finally broken when the home side were penalised with a Marc Blackford penalty for handling in a ruck. Kingswood responded shortly afterwards when Cryptians were not alert enough to a quick lineout throw in ,allowing Loose Head Prop Mike Oakley to run in unopposed to give his side a slender half time lead.

The second half began similar to the first with a missed penalty attempt all Cryptians had to show for their efforts, failing to come up with any quality ball or attacking ideas. With Kingswood now sensing the game was theirs for the taking Number 8 Mark McGarridge bundled his way over for a try on the hour mark, converted by Full Back Ian Kirley

Cryptians were then hit with two Tries in quick succession, both from Prop Oakley, amazingly for a front row, his second Hat Trick in successive games. With time fast running out Crypts Centre Callum Drury scored a fine individual try, converted by Blackford, but it proved too little too late.

Despite atrocious conditions at the Memorial Ground Cryptians comfortably overcame their Bristol opponents, scoring four tries and keeping a clean score sheet into the bargain. Elizabethans elected to start against the elements, but fell behind within minutes when winger Nick Lake rounded off a slick threequarter movement to dive in at the corner. Fly half Marc Blackford adding the conversion. The visitors responded welll to this early setback with a series of rolling mauls, led by number 8 Rich Loader, and darting runs from scrum half James Almond, although not seriously threatening Crypts line. Cryptians doubled their lead after twenty minutes, when a quickly penalty by Jan Keller put Blackford in under the posts for a converted try. With half time approaching referee Paul Vidgen penalised Elizabethans for not releasing, enabling Blackford to stretch the lead with a 40 Metre wind assisted kick. Crypts kept up the pressure in the second half with centres Matt Drury and Grant White combining well, and were only kept at bay by some fine tackling by OE,s centre Ben Worthington. Eventually Scrum Half Jan Keller spotted a blindside gap, putting Lake in at the flag for his second try of the afternoon, Blackford adding the extras. With the final whistle, much to the relief of the sodden players and spectators alike , approaching a series of five metre scrums led to Blackford crossing under the posts, keeping Crypts promotion hopes alive.

In stormy conditions, Brockworth showed enough forward strength to out-muscle a determined Cryptians side. Despite the torrid weather, both sides looked to use the full width of the pitch, showing some excellent probing kicks and tactical play. It was the hosts who were first on the scoreboard when fly-half Marc Blackford landed a penalty to bring the scores to 3-0. Brockworth responded fiercely, working two quick scores from some threatening scrums and capitalizing on some Cryptians errors, bringing the scores to 3-14. Cryptians were not disheartened, however, and managed to earn another Blackford penalty after some intense pressure on the Brockworth defence. Cryptians were again on the scoreboard when Blackford managed to intercept a Brockworth ball and dive in for a converted try, bringing the half-time score to 13-14. The second half maintained the games intensity, with both sides showing a steely determination and passion. The eventual game breaker came when Brockworth managed to work the blind-side of a maul, and race in unopposed for another five points. Despite a brave Cryptians effort, Brockworth kept the lead, with the score finishing at 13-19 to the visitors.

In difficult conditions Crypts elected to play up the slope first half. With the assistance of a strong wind at their backs they were soon in front when Flyhalf Marc Blackford, celebrating his Three Hundredth game for the club, landed a Penalty from the Halfway Line. Soon after Centre Aide Henley Davies seized on a handling error to dive over for a converted try. Tetbury responded immediately to this set back and were awarded a series of penalties, finally resulting in Scrum Half Mat Smith scoring in the bottom corner, conversion added by Lewis Prosser. With Cryptians first team debutant Flanker Will Duckworth impressing with his workrate Tetbury were conceding a high number of Penalties, allowing Blackford to land a further Four long range Penalties to increase their lead to Fifteen points. On the stroke of Half Time, Smith worked his way over for a second Try, converted by Prosser to keep the home side in contention .

Shortly after the restart Henley Davies won the race for his own kick ahead to touch down for a try converted by Blackford. Tetbury were reduced to ten men soon afterwards, loosing a Lock to a straight red card awarded for punching his opposite number. Crypts were unable to take advantage of the extra man, and unenforced errors prevented them from increasing their lead. With ten minutes remaining replacement centre Callum Drury, another Debutant, scored an unopposed try in controversial circumstances, when the referee overruled a touch judge flag ,Tetbury found guilty of stopping and not playing to the whistle. With Blackford's conversion attempt rebounding back off an upright, the referee surprisingly ordered a retake, which the kicker bizarrely declined, rolling the ball a few metres along the ground.

Fullback Mark Cashman provided the try of the game in the final minutes following a strong run from Drury.

Cainscross elected to play up the steep Victory Park gradient first half, but were immediately in arrears when centre Grant White burst through a gaping whole in the home defence to score his first try for the club, with outside half Marc Blackford adding the conversion. Recovering from this early setback Cainscross drew level on the quarter mark when Centre Adam Carr outstripped the entire Cryptians defence for a try converted by fullback Gareth Ponsford. Cryptians responded immediately to this with two tries, first Centre Ady Henley Davies took a simple pass to score, followed by White taking advantage of quick ball from a five metre scrum for his second, both converted by Blackford. Shortly after surviving a penalty attempt by Ponsford, the visitors extended their lead through a Blackford penalty, awarded for offside at a ruck. With Mat Drury and James Blackford dominating the line outs, and hooker Tom Batten the scrums, Crypts were enjoying the majority of the possession, allowing Henley Davies to claim his second try. Now producing some of their best play of the season lock Neil Brookes scored following a powerful break by fullback Mark Cashman, to leave a comfortable half time margin.

Shortly after the restart Cryptians increased their lead with a try by left wing Nick Lake following nine phases of possession. Although reduced shortly afterwards to fourteen men following a yellow-carding of Rob Birtles, Cryptians produced the try of the game when Lake raced sixty metres up the slope for his second try, with the conversion added by replacement Gareth Butler. With regular kicker Blackford now off injured Cashman ably took up the duties landing a long range penalty, before converting his own try to conclude the scoring.

In perfect conditions at the Memorial Ground, Cryptians got their Presidents Lunch Day off to a flying start when debutant winger Nick Lake rounded off a flowing move for a second minute try. Outside Half Marc Blackford adding the extra points with a fine touchline conversion.
Saracens having already encored the wrath of experienced referee Henry Haw for foul play, were reduced to fourteen men when a yellow card was produced for tripping. Blackford adding the straightforward three points.

Taking full advantage of the extra man Blackford capitalised on a midfield interception to race upfield for a Try, also adding the conversion.

Although the scrums were turning into a scrappy affair, Cryptians compensated for this with some fine line out possession, and only some erratic handling prevented further scores. Restored to fifteen, Saracens were awarded a penalty for diving over a ruck. Unnecessary backchat cost ten metres, and from the ensuing lineout Scrum Half Darryl Francis darted over for an unconverted try.

Two further Blackford penalties increased the home sides lead by half time to Eighteen points.

Resuming down the slope Saras were soon back on the score sheet when lock Richard Coleman forced his way over from a lineout. This however was cancelled out almost immediately when Fullback Kieran McHugh burst into the line for a well timed try. Mid way through the second half Cryptians welcomed back lock Neil Brookes for the first time since a serious injury before Christmas, and soon increased their lead when some fine work by scrum half Jan Keller put Blackford in for his second try. Final word went to Saras when wing Henry McVitie seized on a loose ball for a try converted by full back Marcus Blatchford to give a final score which suggested the game was closer than it actually was.

Cryptians won the toss and elected to play up the Memorial Ground slope against their promotion challengers from Bristol. Neither side really settled quickly into the game, with the visitors taking the lead after ten minutes when Crypts were caught offside under their posts, flyhalf Paul Glen slotting the simple kick. Encouraged by their lead the visitors began a series of rolling down field mauls, one of which provided winger Sam Gervaise the opportunity to dive in at the corner for an unconverted try. Cryptians finally managed to put some rhythm into their game, and with locks Mat Drury and Rob Stokes working hard for the loose ball they were rewarded with a penalty try, converted by Marc Blackford. Shortly before half time a quickly taken penalty allowed Blackford to race in from forty metres, his conversion attempt coming back off the upright to give an interval lead of just four points.

Resuming the second half, Cryptians began to play with more cohesion, and Ashley Down’ lose head prop was very lucky to escape a binning for killing the ball after a powerful midfield break from centre Grant White. Blackford’s penalty attempt unfortunately drifting wide. The visitors edged in front again shortly afterwards when Gervaise again took advantage of space on the wing to score his second try. Although Cryptians kept battling, their rhythm was interrupted by a number of replacements, and with ten minutes remaining Flanker Jack Simson settled the result for the visitors, who look the more likely for a return to Division One, having also beaten Cryptians earlier in the season.

Despite enjoying the lions share of possession and territory, Cryptians were forced to work hard for their points against an organised Smiths defence, in a game played in the right spirit, well handled by teenage referee Fergus Kirby. The first quarter of the game saw Cryptians camped in the home twenty two, but a series of poor final passes kept the line intact until Winger Kiam Barry finally dived in at the flag for a well taken unconverted try. From the restart Cryptians were back in home territory, but appeared anxious at their slender lead, squandering a number of chances and not adding to their total by half time.

Finally fifteen minutes into the second period Cryptians from a quickly taken line out spun the ball wide for fullback Mark Cashman to time his run well into the line to score in the corner. Although steadied a little by the second try, Crypts were still taking too many wrong options, particularly in trying to crash their way through midfield, where centres Neil Crawford and Wayne Hopson tackled superbly all afternoon. Smiths were penalised twice late on for a high tackle and killing the ball in a ruck.

As in the meeting between the sides in November, Westbury’s fly half Alex Cuthbert again provided all his sides points. This time however it was not enough to prevent Cryptians maintaining their quest for return to Division One. The visitors started the more committed and lively side and were rewarded immediately with a penalty by Cuthbert, Cryptians caught offside at a ruck under the posts. Cryptians then gradually started to work their way back into the game and drew level after twenty minutes when Westbury were penalised for boring in the Scrum, Marc Blackford punishing them with a penalty from forty metres. Westbury were soon back in the lead when Cuthbert showed a clean pair of heels from within his own half to dive in under the posts , also adding the extra points. Finally using the Memorial Ground slope to their advantage, scrum half Kieran McHugh darted over form a ruck, Blackford bringing the scores level with the conversion. On the stroke of half time Cryptians took the lead for the first time with a second Blackford penalt

Surviving a penalty miss early in the second period Cryptians began to take more control, with the front three of Price, McInnes, and Reddy providing the platform. On the hour mark Cryptians debutant teenage winger Kiham Barry rounded of a fluent three quarter move to score in the corner With Westbury still posing a threat, the game was finally sewn up shortly before time, when Blackford intercepted on half way, then narrowly won the race to the line for a converted Try.

Crypts determined to put last weeks heavy cup defeat behind them were immediately on the offensive, and were rewarded within ten minutes when BAC were caught offside in mid field, Centre Marc Blackford slotting the straight forward penalty. With Veteran lock Paul Clack leading, Cryptians were enjoying a good supply of turn over ball, resulting in winger Kieran McHugh racing into the corner for an unconverted try. Unusually in today's game, hooker Gary McGuiness was also securing a regular supply of balls against the head, one of which allowing fly half Gareth Butler in under the posts to increase the lead to fifteen points at half time.

Crypt immediately regained their momentum after the break and went further ahead when winger Alec Moody seized on a loose ball to put McHugh in for his second try. Scrum Half Jan Keller then took advantage of another ball turned over in the scrum to dart in for Crypts third try converted by Blackford. From the restart the visitors sealed the game when Butler outstripped the B.A.C.defence to gather a clever chip ahead by Blackford for a converted try. The final quarter Cryptians sat back a little allowing the home side back into the game, but solid tackling ,in particular from Flanker Marc Stubbs, kept their line intact.

08.12.07 Tewkesbury 43 Old Cryptians 3 (Cup)

Old Cryptians hopes of reaching the EDF Junior Vase final came to an end this weekend, after a crushing 42 – 3 defeat to Tewkesbury. In difficult conditions, the Gloucester team failed to handle the skill and composure of the Tewkesbury outfit. Events got off to the worst of starts for Cryptians, as Tewkesbury centre Matt Stone crashed over just 3 minutes into the game. Shortly afterward, forward Greg Prance took advantage of a fragmented maul, to bring the scores to 14-0, both tries being converted by number ten, Russell Nunn. However, Cryptians refused to role-over for their hosts, and doubled their efforts in attack and defence. After several telling breaks, Old Cryptians managed to sustain a great amount of pressure on the Tewkesbury line and looked to have finally scored when prop Eric Reddy bundled over the line, and again when flanker Jim Blackford dived over; but both attempts were deemed to be held up. This was a massive blow for the visitors, who, after 20 minutes of pressure, came away from the Tewkesbury half score-less. Tewkesbury were quick to strike back with winger Craig Steel scoring an opportunist try, converted by Nunn, on the stroke of half-time to bring the scores to 21-0. After the break, it was Cryptians who were first to score, with Centre Marc Blackford kicking a penalty to get his team on the scoreboard. Tewkesbury however, responded almost immediately with Steel scything over for another converted score. After a series of repeated offences, Tewkesbury centre Matt Stone was yellow-carded in the 65^th minute, but this was to little avail for Cryptians, who failed to find a cutting edge. With less than 10 minutes to go, Tewkesbury extended their lead with two well taken tries by number eight Shaun Everiss and flanker Tom Wilkinson, both converted by the immaculate Nunn. Tewkesbury will advance to the next stages of the cup, whilst Cryptians can be proud of their tenacity and never-say-die attitude. Man of the match was the outstanding Russell Nunn, whose flawless kicking and quick-feet gave Cryptians all manner of headaches.

Cryptians welcomed their Bristol promotion rivals to the Memorial Ground, knowing anything less than a win would damage their ambitions of an immediate return to Division One. Crypts started strongly down the slope , keeping Kingswood deep in their own half, but were unable to break through a well organised defence. After ten minutes it was the visitors first on the score sheet, when working their way up field for the first time, Number 8 Mark McGarrgile rounded off a powerful forward drive. Fly Half Ben Phillips adding the Conversion.

Crypts again took control territorially and were dominant in the tight, pushing the visitors off much of their own ball. In the line outs, however a series of erratic lineout throw ins cost them several good scoring opportunities. With half time approaching quality lineout ball was finally secured and Prop Rob Birtles finished off a well controlled forward drive . Conversion attempt drifting wide, to gave the visitors a slender two point Halftime lead. With the conditions now deteriorating rapidly, the third quarter of the game became a dour forward battle with neither side going close to scoring. Eventually on the Hour mark Kingswood were penalised for collapsing a driving maul, and Centre Neil Sturgess stepped up to hit a fine forty metre penalty, to edge into the lead for the first time. Encouraged by this Crypts moved play more up field, and were rewarded on the final whistle when Kingswood were caught offside under their posts, giving Sturgess a simple penalty to secure the game.

Crypts dominated the opening twenty minutes, although the game remained scoreless, due partly to a solid home defence and to an exceptionally high penalty count against the visitors. The breakthrough finally came when lock Neil Brooks finished off a powerful lineout forward drive to score, Marc Blackford adding the conversion. Encouraged by this score Crypts continued their high work rate, and as half time approached, were further rewarded when Blindside James Blackford seized on an untidy Thatcham lineout to score in the corner, conversion points added by Flyhalf Blackford.

Cryptians were fortunate not to have their lead reduced before half time when three straightforward penalty attempts by the home Flyhalf Charlie Cox all drifted wide of the left hand post. Cryptians restarted the second period again in control, but had to survive further missed penaly attempts, before their lead was increased in the Seventieth minute when Thatcham were penalised for straying offside at a ruck. Blackford adding the points which effectively sealed the win on the best all round team performance of the season, with loose head prop Eric Reddy making an impressive first team debut.

Cryptians maintained their unbeaten home record although had to work hard for their points against a spirited Bristol side. After a scrappy first quarter with neither side producing any quality rugby, Marc Blackford finally broke from within his own half to score under the posts, also adding the conversion points. Spurred on by the score the home side immediately increased their lead when a clever kick into the corner by fullback Rich Howell was sieved on by winger Simon Mayo for an unconverted try.

Cryptians were now taking control of the game, and were rewarded with a long range Blackford penalty, before he collected a kick ahead for another converted try to increase their lead to twenty two points. As too often this season Cryptians then sat back and allowed BAC back into the game through a penalty from Rob Jones, and an interception try by Centre Joe Knight, converted by Jones to halve the home sides lead at halftime.

Resuming playing up the Memorial ground slope Cryptians increased their lead with a further Blackford penalty, before Knight again popped up for his second try of the game. In the final quarter further converted tries were added by Howells linking well to dive in at the corner, and Flanker Americo D’Amico seizing on a loose ball to score. Cryptians now need to maintain their form for next weeks Round Four EDF Junior vase trip to Berkshire side Thatcham.

Westbury were the more committed side right from the kick off and were immediately rewarded with a penalty from fly half Alex Cuthbert. Cryptians responded through a Marc Blackford Penalty, but this proved to be the last time in the game they were on level terms. On the ten minute mark Cuthbert carved through the visitors defence to score under the posts, also adding the further two points. Westbury were now enjoying the majority of possession, and further extended their lead with another Cuthbert Penalty, before Cryptians finally put together a move to send fullback Alec Moody in at the corner, converted by Blackford. On the stroke of half time the foresters scored the try which effectively sealed the match when Cuthbert seized on a loose ball for another seven points

The second period brought some improvement in Cryptians play and early penalties were traded between Blackford and Cuthbert. The game them degenerated into a bad tempered affair, partly due to Cryptians frustration at being unable to play their normal expansive game on an extremely small pitch, and indiscipline led to another Cuthbert penalty. Cryptians however managed to finish with a flourish with a well taken try by winger Richard Gills before, to sum up their afternoon, Blackford dropped the ball when over the Line. Man of the match deservedly went to 18 Year old Alex Cuthbert for bagging all Westburys points.

Old Cryptians got their season back on track after the previous week's defeat, with a solid win over Smiths. The game started badly though, conceding a second minute try by Smiths winger, Carl Willing which was converted by their fly-half, Andrew Roberts.

Cryptians regained the possession from the kick off and were awarded a penalty, which was kicked by Marc Blackford. Cryptians then dominated the reat of the half, especially in the forwards. They scored three tries through Simon Mayo, Blackford and Rob Birtles with one converted by Blackford for a 20-7 half time lead.

Smiths came back into the game at the start of the second half, but with resolute defence, Cryptians defended their line. Mid way through the second half, Mike Simmonds, the Cryptians No 8, scored a try from a scrum taken against the head by Gary McInnes, Simmonds picking up and running 65 metres, out-pacing the Smiths winger and full back.

Cryptians then took full control and finished the game with two Blackford tries which he converted for a personal haul of 24 points.

Playing down the Filton slope, Cryptians territorialy dominated the first quarter, but all they had to show for their efforts was a Marc Blackford penalty, awarded for offside at a ruck. On the half hour lock Neil Brookes raced in for 50 Metres, following some clever handling from flanker Marc Stubbs. For the remainder of the half the visitors bravely defended a barrage of attacks, and just as it seemed they would survive, home skipper Pat Craven crashed over, deep into stoppage time, for a try converted by fly half Paul Glen. This proved to be the turning point in the match, and shortly after the restart Ashley Down were level through a neat drop goal from Glen.

Facing League defeat for the first time this season, Cryptians were under pressure in the tight, and only a supply of good lineout ball ensured some possession. In the final twenty minutes with the visitors tiring, the Bristol side ran in further tries from Glen and two from flanker Jack Gibson, leaving Cryptians to reflect on not taking their chances early in the game.

Longlevens were unable to field a front-run and therefore conceded the game so OCRFC's are through to next round of Cup. Both teams decided to treat Saturday's game as a friendly.

The visitors were in front within minutes at the King George V ground, when Saracens were caught offside from a kick ahead, Marc Blackford converting the resulting penalty. Despite the encouraging start, both sides appeared lethargic and lacking in ideas, until Cryptian’s fullback Chris Collingwood well timed his appearance into the line to cross for an unconverted try. On the half hour fly half Richard Howell finally injected some pace into the game with an excellent break to put Blackford in under the posts for a further seven points.

The second period began with visitors stretching their lead through Kieran McHugh collecting his own kick ahead to win the race to the line, Blackford adding the Conversion. Saracens however refused to accept that defeat was inevitable, and by introducing veteran flanker Jimmy O’Shea into the game secured more possession, and were rewarded with an unconverted try by prop Russ Morrison.

Cryptians did mange the last word when Marc Blackford burst through under the posts for his second try, before handing the conversion attempt to Duncan Normington, who duly notched up his 1000th point for the club.

Cryptians celebrated their annual Patrons Day Lunch by maintaining their unbeaten start to the season, and produced their best display so far, under the watchful eye of a large crowd of ex players.

All the early pressure came from the home side, but it was Cainscross first on the scoreboard when Fly Half Gareth Butler gifted an interception try to Bodge Elliott, who gratefully accepted and raced 75 Metres to score, conversion added by Skipper Nick Tagg.

Cryptians responded immediately with a Marc Blackford penalty when the visitors strayed offside at a ruck.

OC.s were in front shortly afterwards when Butler cleverly created a huge gap for Blackford to sore under the posts, also adding the conversion

Now playing with the majority of possession, largely due to a hard working back row of Mike Simmonds, Andrew Potter, and Marc Stubbs. Rob Birtles finished off a rolling maul for another converted try.

The final ten minutes of the half brought further tries from Scrum Half Kieran McHugh, and Winger Simon Mayo, which together with a second Blackford Penalty gave a half time lead of 34 points to 7.

Resuming down the slope Cainscross looked a different side after the break, spending the first twenty minutes deep in home territory, held up over the line on several occasions by an organised Cryptians defence.

Finally managing to break upfield Mayo crossed for his second try, followed by the games best move rounded off by Winger Owen Barton, with Blackford adding a touchline conversion.

Cryptians rounded off an entertaining game ,well controlled by Referee John Watkins ,with further rries from Full Back Rich Howells and a second for Barton.

Cryptians maintained their unbeaten start to the season, and progressed into the next round of the EDF Junior Vase, with a comfortable victory over the Berkshire Division 2 side, who were making their first ever visit to the Memorial Ground.

The home side began the stronger and were soon rewarded when Winger Kev Day strolled into the corner for the opening try. The lead was immediately doubled when Prop Rob Birtles bundled his way over from a rolling maul.

With the home pack controlling play in the tight, and James Blackford dominating the lines out, veteran Flanker Marc Stubbs burst through for a third try on the half hour, converted by Marc Blackford.

Two further tries by Scrum half Kieran McHugh, both converted by Marc Blackford gave Cryptians a half time margin of thirty-one points.

With the slope and wind now in their favour, flanker Chris Tallboy opened Hungerford’s account, broaching Cryptians line, for the first time this season, for an unconverted Try. As previously this season Cryptians tended to sit back on their lead and were punished by a superb forty-metre drop goal from Outside Half Andy Heriott. Cryptians again responded with centres combining well to put Ade Henley-Davies in for a try converted by Marc Blackford,

Refusing to accept defeat Hungerford replied with a well taken try by winger Morley, before Simon Mayo sealed the home win with a try.

On the final whistle Morley scored his second try, converted by Herroit to complete an afternoon of entertaining rugby.

Despite a number of enforced changes from the previous week, Cryptians maintained their fine start to the season with a comfortable win over Tetbury in perfect conditions at the Memorial Ground.

After a scrappy start when both sides conceded possession far too easily it was the visitors who were first on the scoreboard with a Penalty from Fullback Josh Jensen.

Cryptians were immediately level through a Penalty by Aide Henley-Davies, awarded for hands in a ruck.

The remainder of the first half saw tries from the ever alert Kieran McHugh taking a quick penalty, and from Centre Simon Mayo, to give a half time lead of twelve points.

The second period began with uncontested scrums as Tetbury were unable to field a replacement prop, and were immediately punished by a try from Owen Barton converted by Henley-Davies.

Finally now playing with some cohesion, converted Tries were added by Fullback Alec Moody and Henley-Davies, before Jenson added a second Penalty for the visitors.

With Tetbury now down to fourteen men and tiring the final quarter saw further tries from Moody and McHugh.

On the final whistle Moody fittingly completed his hat-trick of Tries, as together with McHugh he was making his 300th appearance for the club.

Cryptians began their campaign to bounce straight back to Division One with a comfortable win at the ground where promotion was gained two seasons previous. OC’S started strongly, pinning their opponents deep in their own half, but were unable convert pressure into points, eventually allowing Elizabethans to recover and move up field.

On the half hour mark Cryptians were finally rewarded when from a five metre scrum No 9 Kieran McHugh flipped the ball inside for Flanker John Dix to cross over. This proving the only score of the half.

Within ten minutes of the restart Cryptians increased the mobility of their pack with the introduction of Prop Americo D,Amico, and were immediately rewarded when a powerful break by Aide Henley Davies sent Veteran winger Kev Day over for a Try Converted by Marc Blackford. Finally starting to play with some cohesion, Mike Simmonds rounded off some intense forward pressure to crash over wide out, conversion added by Blackford. Shortly before the final whistle, a clever chip ahead by Henley Davies put Blackford in under the posts for a converted try.

For an excellent all round performance Henley Davies was the pick of the backs, whilst in the forwards James Blackford secured a high percentage of quality lineout possession.

Making their first ever visit to the Memorial Ground in the EDF Junior Vase ,the Hereford side were soon in arrears due to a push over try by Veteran No 8 Marc Stubbs. Continuing to pin their visitors in their own half ,Cryptians were further rewarded when a crunching tackle by winger Kieran McHugh allowed Marc Blackford to seize on the loose ball and race in for a try which he also converted.

The home side however did not build on their early success and the game degenerated in to a bad tempered scrappy contest with neither side able to obtain quality possession.

Greyhounds Skipper Patrick Hill eventually landed a penalty following indiscipline in the home pack. O,C,s responded immediate from the restart when McHugh raced into the corner to give a half time lead of 17-3.

Following the same pattern as the first period Cryptians began brightly when Richard Butler followed up his own kick to touch down. It was however not until the final five minutes that Cryptians produced any fluent rugby, when Blackford finished off some fine handling to add a further seven points.

New Player / Coach John Dix and Skipper Chris Price were the pick of the home team with hard work in both the tight and loose.