Welcome to the Match Report Page of the 1st XV

2005/6 Season

8th April - Drybrook victorious in final match to move up league.
Glos. Premier League Longlevens 3pts  Drybrook 17pts 

Drybrook rounded off a disappointing league campaign with a victory in their final match at already relegated Longlevens.  Longlevens belied their lowly position in the first half by competing well and they took the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes.  In fact the home side held this slender lead for the remainder of a tight first half in which neither side was able to gain the upper hand.  Drybrook’s biggest problem in the first half was their inability to support the ball carrier and all too often they allowed the home side to turn around possession.

In the second half Drybrook raised the tempo and were quickly rewarded with the games first try. From a scrum 40 metres out centre Chris Rawling took the ball on a fine angled run to leave the home defence floundering before touching down in the corner.  Drybrook’s second try came minutes later from another good backs move that led to winger Dave Payne coming off his wing to create the extra man before giving the scoring pass to fellow wing man Greg Kiernan. Skipper Neil Merrett converted with a fine effort from wide out.  Drybrook wrapped things up towards the end of the game when winger Kiernan was put clear to score his second try.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Dave Payne, , Chris Rawlings, Tad Chapman, Greg Kiernan, Neil Merrett (Capt) , Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, James Hillcoat, John Duffin, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan,

Replacements: Dean Large, Andy Jones, Chris White.

25th March - Drybrook victorious in bad conditions
Glos. Premier League Drybrook 13pts  Painswick 5pts

Drybrook squeezed home against Painswick on a wet and miserable afternoon at the Mannings. The heavy pitch and greasy ball made it difficult for both teams and as a result scoring was kept to a minimum.  Drybrook had a bright start and took the lead after 12 minutes when skipper Neil Merrett converted a penalty in front of the Painswick posts. Painswick eventually broke out of defence and began to build a platform from which they were able to move the ball wide and score on the overlap.  The last 10 minutes of the half saw Drybrook pressurising their visitors and after a series of infringements Painswick had a player sent to the sin bin.  Into first half injury time Drybrook’s No 8 Neil Morgan broke from a scrum before off loading to flanker Craig Moore for a try to regain the lead.

In the second half Drybrook looked to build on their lead but it took until the 24th minute until they did.  Again it was Morgan who created it when he was held up just short of the line but he was able to pop a pass to the supporting Tom Reed who powered over.  Good Painswick defence denied Drybrook any further scores as the game petered out in the gloom.  Drybrook’s back row did exceptionally well in the conditions with John Duffin particularly outstanding.

Drybrook team: Dave Payne, Dave Appleby, Chris Rawlings, Steve Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Neil Merrett (Capt) , Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, James Hillcoat, John Duffin, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan,
Replacements: Richard Roberts, Mark Castree, Simon Burke.

18th March - Drybrook overcome local Rivals
Bream  6pts Drybrook 17pts

Drybrook were forced to make a number of changes for their game at Bream but they did well to pull off a victory.  Drybrook dictated the opening forward exchanges and after 10 minutes a catch and drive from a line out gave hooker Clive Boughton the simplest of touchdowns.  Bream hit back with a penalty but after that there was not much to choose between the teams for the rest of the half but Drybrook defended well when they had to and always had the better quality possession.

Drybrook started the second half very strongly and quickly stretched their lead when a big drive at a scrum led to the Bream forwards breaking up. Drybrook kept going and scrum half half Carl Moore had the simple task of touching down.  Bream again responded with a penalty but there was no more scoring until 10 minutes from time when Drybrook moved the ball wide and centre Dave Appleby gave the scoring pass to flanker Craig Moore.  Substitute Andy Milner added the extra points and then Drybrook rode out the rest of the game in the Bream half.

Drybrook team; Dave Payne, Chris White, Dave Appleby, Steve Rawlings, Dan Large, Jimmy Ryder, Carl Moore, Tom Reed, Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Matt Jones, Steve Turley, Craig Moore, Ryan Tandy, Neil Morgan (Capt).
Substitutes;Jon Mustoe, Andy Milner

14th March - Gutsy Drybrook fight Clifton all the way
Gloucestershire County Plate Semi final- Clifton 39pts Drybrook 20pts

Drybrook gave Clifton an unexpectedly difficult evening under the Cribbs Causeway floodlights last Tuesday evening.  Flying high in South West 1, Clifton were only able to break clear towards the end of this excellent game in which both teams threw the ball around at every opportunity.  Clifton opened the scoring with a penalty but Chris Thomas soon levelled things for Drybrook with his first successful kick of the night.  Clifton’s first try came when they took a quick tap penalty before crossing in the corner.  Drybrook’s Steve Rawlings was then sent to the sin bin for not retreating at a penalty and the home side used the advantage well to increase their lead with a second try on 27 minutes.  Just before the interval Drybrook grabbed a try when flanker Craig Moore stole over from a lineout and Thomas added the extra points.

Half Time Clifton 15pts Drybrook 10pts

Five minutes into the second half Thomas kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit but then Drybrook had to withstand a good deal of pressure before Clifton eventually added another try.  Clifton further increased their lead with another try when they snaffled Drybrook’s lineout ball before crossing after 14 minutes.  Undaunted Drybrook hit straight back and after a series of powerful scrummages they were awarded a penalty try after the referee adjudged there had been one infringement too many.  Clifton were able to call on a number of top class replacements and after making several changes they eventually began to get on top and pulled away in the closing stages with 2 tries to seal their place in the final.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Dave Payne, Danny Griffiths, Steve Rawlings, Simon Burke, Chris Rawlings, Carl Moore, Tom Reed, Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Jim Hillcoat, Richard Roberts, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan (Capt).

Substitutes: Chris White, Dean Large, Dan Large, Andy Jones, Jim Rugman, Jim Ryder.

11th March - Another league defeat for Drybrook
Gloucestershire Premier league -  Drybrook 5pts Barton Hill 27pts

Drybrook were outgunned by a more streetwise BartonHill outfit in their latest Gloucestershire Premier reverse.  Drybrook’s recent problems were exacerbated when skipper Neil Merrett broke down in the pre match warm up, with the consequent reshuffle doing little to boost their confidence.  The difference between the two teams in this game was in the way the BartonHill forwards were able to punch holes through their opposite numbers with Drybrook offering little in return.  Tackling was again an issue for Drybrook with some players performing heroic deeds whilst others let themselves down and added to the pressure on their team.  BartonHill swept into an early lead when a Drybrook defender slipped and the visitors were able to coast in from 40 metres.  A second BartonHill try came when they drove through the heart of the Drybrook forwards and they further increased their lead with a penalty.  Drybrook then got on the score sheet when centre Dave Appleby broke through before sending fullback Dave Payne over in the corner.

Drybrook improved in the second half even though they were being pushed all over the place in the set pieces.  They could not prevent BartonHill from increasing their lead though and the visitors scored 2 further tries to run out comfortable winners.

Drybrook team: Dave Payne, Simon Burke, Dave Appleby, Jamie Roberts,Chris Rawlings, Steve Rawlings, Carl Moore, Ian Pritchard , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan, James Hillcoat.
Replacements: Richard Roberts, Mark Castree, Jason Roberts

4th March - Humiliating thrashing for Drybrook
Gloucestershire Premier league - Aretians 57pts Drybrook 0pts

When you perform as badly as Drybrook did in this game you expect to get a good hiding and Aretians duly delivered one to their apathetic visitors. It was not as if Drybrook were up against a particularly good team with Aretians one of the few teams below them in the league before this encounter.  Earlier in the season Drybrook had rattled up fifty points in a comfortable win over Aretians but this time they looked a shadow of that team as they slumped to defeat.  Aretians were quicker in the loose and possessed a real hunger to succeed and Drybrook played right into their hands with such a poor showing. Even their set piece play let them down and they struggled to get any worthwhile possession.  It was Drybrook’s defence though that was the most cause for concern with some very poor tackling that allowed the home team to keep up the pressure and eventually run riot.

Drybrook team: Steve Rawlings, Dean Large, Craig Moore, Chris Rawlings, David Payne, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Jim Rugman, Neil Morgan, Richard Roberts.
Replacements: Ian Pritchard, Jon Mustoe, Dan Large.

18th February - Emphatic and welcome League win for Drybrook
Gloucestershire Premier league - Drybrook 34pts Matson 5pts

Drybrook put in their best performance for some time to see off the challenge of a Matson outfit who currently sit in a comfortable mid table position.  Neil Merrett kicked Drybrook into a 3pt lead after 8 minutes but from then on Matson gradually gained control. They scored the games first try when scrum half Stokes left the home back row flat footed from a scrum to put winger Chapman over in the corner.  Matson kept up the pressure and looked to have outflanked Drybrook again but a timely interception from centre Steve Rawlings saw him race in from half way for a simple try that Merrett easily converted.  Straight from the restart Drybrook put in a good handling move and swept down field where a kick ahead from winger Dave Payne caused confusion in the Matson defence and prop forward Tom Reed was on hand to cross for the try. 

In the second half Drybrook always looked to spread the ball and were rewarded when Tad Chapman and Chris Thomas combined to send second row James Hillcote over in the corner.  On 30 minutes Rawlings again intercepted a pass this time under the visitors posts but was a little lucky to have been awarded the try after a clear knock on.  Merrett converted that score and added the extra points to Drybrook’s last try that came from another delightful move when replacement winger Jamie Roberts was put through on the angle to score under the posts.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Tad Chapman, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, David Payne, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Jim Hillcoat, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore..
Replacements: Jamie Roberts, Richard Roberts, Andy Jones.

11th February - Drybrook dealt injury time blow.
Gloucestershire Premier league - ChosenHill 21pts Drybrook 13pts

Drybrook came very close to upsetting the odds at champions elect ChosenHill and led going into injury time only to see the hosts snatch victory in a tense finale.  Drybrook played up the slope in the first half and after ChosenHill had a player sent to the sin bin, Neil Merrett opened their account with a penalty.  Drybrook played well in the first period and held the home side well but could not prevent them from forging ahead with 2 penalties.  Right on the stroke of half time ChosenHill grabbed a try when they crossed from a driving maul to give them a n 11pts – 3pts cushion.

Drybrook were able to exert more pressure in the second half and when the home side attempted to run from their own 22metre line a smart interception by centre Chris Rawlings led to a try near the posts that Merrett easily converted.  Drybrook continued to play well and took the lead on 20 minutes when Merrett was successful with his second penalty.  Drybrook held onto this slender lead but with 10 minutes remaining they were dealt a severe blow when No 8 Richard Roberts was sent to the sin bin after tempers flared at a maul.  Despite this obvious disadvantage Drybrook frustrated ChosenHill’s attempts to score until the 40th minute when the home side regained the lead with a dramatic drop goal that sent the home crowd into raptures.  Late into injury time Drybrook were forced to attack from deep but ChosenHill managed to snaffle the ball and outflank the visitors with a try to seal victory.  The successful conversion signalled the last play of the game and once again Drybrook can count themselves unfortunate to have come away empty handed.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Jamie Roberts, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, David Payne, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Jim Hillcoat, John Duffin, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore, Richard Roberts.
Replacements: Ian Pritchard, Steve Turley, Dean Large.

28th January - Drybrook gift Colstonians to big a head start
Gloucestershire Premier league - Drybrook 21pts Old Colstonians 22pts

Drybrook left themselves too much to do in this game after a disastrous opening spell led to them being 17pts – nil down after only 15 minutes.  It was simply a case of non existent tackling from Drybrook that let the rot in and the visitor’s slick backs exploited this deficiency to the full to run in three tries.  Drybrook then at last got into the game and started to play some good rugby that was eventually rewarded when prop forward Scott Phelps finished off a drive by crossing in the corner.  Drybrook showed good enterprise after this score and kept up the pressure on Colstonians to score another try, this time from full back Steve Skelton, who raced over on the overlap.  Unfortunately another defensive lapse let the visitors in for a fourth try but Drybrook kept themselves in the hunt with a Neil Merrett penalty just before the break.

The second half led to marked improvement in Drybrook’s play and they soon got their third try when Skelton was again the beneficiary of a sweeping move down field.  Drybrook’s pack controlled the game in the second half and deserved more for their efforts but with 10 minutes remaining they still trailed the visitors. Merrett then kicked a second penalty to give his side some hope with only1 point now separating the teams.  Drybrook tried in vain to get the winning score but the visitors held on grimly by forcing the ball into touch at every opportunity to run down the clock.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Greg Kiernan, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, David Payne, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore, Richard Roberts.
Replacements: Lee Phelps, Dave Appleby, Jim Hillcoat.

21st January - Spirited Performance still ends in defeat.
Glos Premier League - Old Richians 27 - Drybrook 12.

Drybrook were again left with nothing to show for a spirited performance where a late Richian try disguised what a close contest this was.  Richians had by far the better of the opening 20 minutes penning Drybrook back in their own half but there was no way through a tight defence.  Drybrook at last made some headway and on 30 minutes were threatening the home line when a bad injury held proceedings up for about 5 minutes.  On the resumption of play Drybrook lost possession of their own scrummage ball and allowed the home side to break up field and although scrum half Carl Moore got back to tackle, the Richians winger was up in support to run in from half way.
Drybrook hit straight back and got back on level terms when second row John Duffin took a quick tap penalty before running through for a try near the posts.  Neil Merrett converted to bring the half time score to 7pts all.
 
Drybrook continued to have the better of things early in the second half and took the lead when Carl Moore took advantage of powerful Drybrook scrum to pick up and cross for a try in the corner.  The home side then immediately regained the lead when their big N0 8 took a quick tap penalty to cross for a try when everyone was expecting Richians to kick for goal.  Only 2 points adrift Drybrook continued to play attacking rugby especially in the forwards where their pick and go rugby gained them a lot of ground.  With the game entering the last 10 minutes the home side kicked a penalty to increase their lead and then added a second one 5 minutes later to leave Drybrook needing 2 scores.
Inevitably Drybrook were guilty of trying to make all the play and Richians were able to capitalise on errors to keep the pressure up and in the last minute they outflanked the visitors to score the try that put the issue beyond doubt.

Drybrook team: Dave Appleby, Greg Kiernan, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore, Dean Large.
Replacements: Richard Roberts, Ian Pritchard, Simon Burke.

14th January - Old Centralians 21 - Drybrook 7.

Drybrook were involved in a rare friendly match in Gloucester but a poor second half led to a potential victory slipping from their grasp.
Old Centralians had a second row sent to the sin bin in the opening minutes and Drybrook used their numerical advantage well to keep up the pressure that eventually resulted in a try. The ball came out of the side of the scrum 15 metres out and No 8 Neil Morgan was the quickest to react by picking up and racing over near the posts for skipper Neil Merrett to convert.
Drybrook had some good attacks throughout the first half but a combination of good defence and the last pass going astray kept the score at 7pts – nil.
In the second half Drybrook leaked 3 unanswered tries as their game fell apart and with it went any chance of victory.
They did create some opportunities to score but their inability to turn presser into points has cost them dearly in recent weeks.

Drybrook team: Dave Appleby, Simon Burke, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Ian Pritchard, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, John Duffin, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore, Dean Large.
Replacements: Clive Boughton, Dan Large.

7th January - ANOTHER DEFEAT IN TIGHT MATCH.
Glos Premier League - Drybrook 6 - Widden OB 10

Drybrook were denied the opportunity of victory by a magnificent Widden defensive effort especially in the last 10 minutes where they just managed to hold on.  This was a particularly bitter pill for Drybrook to swallow having lost at Widden by a similarly close score but it was their lack of penetration out behind that eventually led to defeat.  Drybrook’s pack put in a huge effort and deserved more for their efforts but time and again the Drybrook backs hit a brick wall against a well organised defence.  Widden took the lead with a penalty after 2 minutes but the game then developed into a stalemate for 20 minutes until the visitors were able to grab the only try of the game. Drybrook failed to find touch and Widden charged up field where some good inter passing and a couple of missed tackles led to a try near the posts that was easily converted.   The rest of the half proved to be very even with neither team able to gain supremacy.
Drybrook picked up their game in the second half and quickly reduced the arrears with a Neil Merrett penalty but despite having most of the territorial advantage, they could not break through.   Eventually Merrett added a second penalty on 30 minutes and from then on Drybrook sensed victory and laid siege to the Widden line. A series of rucks and mauls close to the line failed to bring the vital score as Widden defended desperately but somehow they held out.  A collapsed maul led to a yellow card for a Widden defender but even with this advantage Drybrook could not break through and the final whistle came with them still agonisingly close to the visitors’ line.
For Drybrook the Moore brothers Craig and Carl both caught the eye with Carl looking particularly assured having been drafted into the team at short notice to make his senior debut.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Simon Burke, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Neil Merrett, Carl Moore, Tom Reed , Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Jim Hillcote, Neil Morgan, Craig Moore, John Duffin.

Replacements: Ian Pritchard, Dean Large, Dave Appleby
 

21st December - LATE TRIES SEE OFF A SPIRITED DRYBROOK SIDE.
Glos County Cup - Drybrook 8 - Old  Patesians 34

A gutsy performance by Drybrook's pack made sure Old Patesians did not have it all their own way as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the RoadChef Senior County Cup.  "They made us work extremely hard for that," admitted Pats coach Bruce Fenley after his side eventually emerged 34-8 winners, but only with a flurry of tries in the last quarter.

Until then Drybrook had matched the Cheltenham-based team that plays four divisions above them in National League Three.

At half-time it was 3-3 after a bruising first period which lasted 48 minutes because of injuries.  The Gloucestershire Premier outfit could have been leading had they not knocked on just a yard from Pats line after driving back the larger pack from a five-metre scrum.  Pats had not woken up by the re-start and Drybrook's outside centre Chris Rawlings missed a golden opportunity, knocking-on when there was a clear overlap.  The missed chance proved a turning point as Pats backline soon established themselves.  On 50 minutes their lively winger Barrie Davies broke through several challenges in the middle of the park before flanker Jon Barker took the ball from the ruck to run through and score.  Drybrook's spirited challenge was then undone in a two-minute spell.  Davies collected well off a poor clearance before off-loading to Simon Daws, who broke free of several challenges to score on 58 minutes and then two minutes later replacement Richard Price scored to finish the game off.  After 65 minutes Drybrook's pack got the try they more than deserved, pushing Pats back to their own line and allowing scrum half Clayton Ryder to get the ball down.

DRYBROOK: Reed, Thomas, Phelps, Turley, Roberts, Boughton, Moore, Morgan, Ryder, Merrett, Roberts, S Rawlings, C Rawlings, Payne, Skelton.

OLD PATESIANS: Parker, Potter, Downes, Ogden-Metherall, Evans, Barker, Daws, Miller, Moore, Nock, Young, Cobbe, J Davies, B Davies, Morgan.

Drybrook now face Gordon League at the Mannings in the Q/F of the Plate competition.

10th December - Drybrook triumphant despite 2 man disadvantage.
Glos Premier League - Painswick 14 - Drybrook 22

Drybrook showed tremendous character to overcome the odds in this game where they had two players dismissed, one yellow carded and two penalty tries awarded against them. The game was far from the physical encounter these statistics would suggest and in fact was played in a good spirit throughout. The fact that they were reduced to 13 players in a bizarre opening 20 minutes made Drybrook’s achievement all the more remarkable and credit goes to the whole team for hanging in there and giving their all.
Drybrook’s problems began almost from the start when players when warnings were dished out at almost every breakdown and after 5 minutes flanker Richard Roberts was yellow carded for a technical offence.
He was soon joined in the sin bin by Number 8 John Duffin after an innocuous looking challenge and then hooker Chris Thomas was dismissed for an alleged stamp at a ruck.
Painswick then grabbed the lead in controversial circumstances when a penalty try was awarded after one of the Drybrook backs was deemed to be offside near the maul.
As soon as Duffin was back on the field he received a second yellow card for clearing an opponent out of a ruck and at this stage Drybrook were beginning to wonder what they had to do to stay on the right side of the referee.
To their credit Drybrook kept their composure and despite playing up the considerable slope they made a real contest of it and drew level just before the break when skipper Neil Merrett broke down the blind side before releasing to winger Jamie Roberts who scored mid way out.
Merrett successfully converted and then added a penalty on the stroke of half time to give Drybrook the lead fort the first time.
Fourteen minutes into the second half scrum half Clayton Ryder tackled his opposite number at a scrum near the Painswick line and second row Jim Hillcote was on hand to pick up the loose ball to score.
Straight from the restart Jamie Roberts set off on a strong run before passing to centre Steve Rawlings who crossed for a try mid way out and Merrett was again successful with the conversion.
For the remainder of the match Drybrook tackled superbly to keep the home team out but in the last 10 minutes they again fell foul of the referee when he awarded another penalty try after he deemed they were responsible for collapsing a maul near the line.
To win in such difficult circumstances was a credit to the whole team but in particular fullback Steve Skelton and flanker Craig Moore were at the top of their form.

 

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, David Payne, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Jim Hillcote, Richard Roberts, Craig Moore, John Duffin.
Replacements: Ian Pritchard, Simon Burke, Richard Probert.

3rd December - Drybrook back to wining ways, at last.
Glos Premier League - Drybrook 25 - Longlevens 0

Drybrook eased to a comfortable victory over a very average Longlevens outfit but they were never able to really dominate.
Having had the best of the opening exchanges Drybrook took 16 minutes before they finally got themselves on the scoreboard when skipper Neil Merrett kicked a penalty.  Drybrook made very little headway until 5 minutes before the break when a series of rucks and mauls pulled in the Longleven’s defence and winger Dave Payne was put over on the overlap.  Straight from the restart centre Steve Rawlings made a powerful surge up the middle before off loading to his brother Chris who passed inside for fullback Steve Skelton to cross mid way out.
Drybrook quickly built on their 13 point first half lead when No 8 Neil Morgan was hauled down just short of the line but second row Jim Hillcote was up in support to pick up and dive over for the try.  Drybrook then controlled the game but failed to turn their advantage into points until substitute winger Jamie Roberts squeezed over in the corner following a break down the blind side after 25 minutes.
As the winter gloom descended on the Mannings the game then petered out as a spectacle and the visitors were able to stifle all of Drybrook’s attacks to keep the score line at a respectable level.  Worthy of mention was John Duffin who  on making his debut for Drybrook, dominated the line-out.

 

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, David Payne, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Simon Burke, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, John Duffin, Jim Hillcote, Richard Roberts, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan.
Replacements: Clive Boughton, Jamie Roberts, Dean Large.

12th November - Drybrook losing run continues with narrow loss.
Glos Premier League - Widden OB 18 - Drybrook 15

Drybrook slipped further into the mire with this defeat at Widden though generally they were better than in recent weeks.  A perfect start saw skipper Neil Merrett kicking a penalty after 2 minutes and then add the extra points to a try scored by Tad Chapman. Fullback Steve Skelton came into the line and his chip over the top was gathered on the bounce by Chapman, who grabbed the try.  At this stage Drybrook were really in command and their pack were getting on top but instead of driving home the advantage they eased off and Widden got back into the game.  A penalty was soon followed by a try in the corner but at the break Drybrook were 10pts – 8pts ahead.

Turning around with the slope in their favour Drybrook should have done better in the second half but their line out ball dried up and too often they took the wrong option.  Widden gradually took control and scored a try when 3 Drybrook defenders failed to deal with the bouncing ball and quickly added a penalty just after.  With 5 minutes remaining Drybrook got themselves back to within a score when Skelton took a neat inside pass from winger Dave Payne to add a second try.  Drybrook tried desperately to close the gap in the dying minutes but good fortune eluded them and they were left to reflect on a match they really should have won.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, David Payne, Tad Chapman, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed , Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Jim Hillcote, Richard Roberts, Craig Moore, Jim Rugman.
Replacements: Andy Jones, Simon Burke, Dean Large.

5th November - Weakened Drybrook crash out of Cup.
NPI Vase Round 3 - Barton Hill 41 - Drybrook 5

Drybrook completely capitulated in this encounter against a team they had travelled to and beaten only a month before.

It is fair to say that BartonHill were a much improved outfit since that day and that good fortune eluded Drybrook throughout the game but even so there was no excuse for such a poor display.  Hit with the now customary availability problems and late withdrawals prior to setting off it is no wonder that Drybrook are beginning to struggle but they started off reasonably well before letting the rot in.  BartonHill kicked themselves into an early lead with a penalty but Drybrook went ahead after 10 minutes when a smart move in which N0 8 Dale Critchley was prominent led to winger Simon Burke crossing for a try. From then on though the home side began to take control through their superior forwards who began to push Drybrook around.

By half time BartonHill had built up a 22pts – 5pts lead but after the break they eased into the next round with a similar performance that Drybrook had no answer to.  Drybrook’s discipline was again poor and apart from losing a player to the sin bin they also squandered several good positions through penalty infringements at the ruck and maul that did little to help their cause.  Another cause of concern to Drybrook was their poor tackling especially in midfield and BartonHill were able to exploit this to the full to ease to victory.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Simon Burke, Steve Rawlings, Chris Rawlings, Dave Payne, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed , Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Jim Hillcote, Dale Critchley,, Craig Moore, Dean Large.
Replacements: Lee Phelps, Jason Roberts, Andy Jones

22nd October - Weakened Drybrook suffer in Bristol
Glos Premier League- Old Colstonians 27- Drybrook 12

Drybrook slipped to a disappointing defeat in Bristol where once again they were forced to travel with a severely depleted team.  Playing up the considerable slope in the first half Drybrook quickly fell behind and were 17pts –nil down after 20 minutes through 3 tries mainly as a result of some long passing in midfield that over stretched the visitors defence.   Drybrook had some chances in the first half but luck eluded them and the home team were able to clear the danger.

Colstonians were much quicker out behind and quickly added a fourth try at the beginning of the second half but Drybrook then woke up and began to dictate play for the first time in the game.  From a quickly taken tap penalty by scrum half Tom Treherne the Drybrook forwards drove forward and eventually hooker Chris Thomas pounced for a try that he converted himself to narrow the deficit.  A somewhat fortuitous try to the home team stretched their lead but from then on Drybrook dominated and deservedly got a second touchdown. After attacking vigorously from left to right, Treherne combined with centre Greg Kiernan who squeezed over in the corner.  With 10 minutes remaining Drybrook had most of the play and almost got another score when Chris Morgan went over in the corner but he was adjudged to have brushed the corner flag in the process of touching down.

 Drybrook team: David Payne, Simon Burke, Steve Rawlings, Greg Kiernan, Jason Roberts, Chris Rawlings, Tom Treherne, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Lee Phelps, Dean Large , Richard Roberts, Craig Moore.
Replacements: Richard Probert, Chris Morgan, Ian Pritchard.

15th October - Drybrook ease into next round of the Vase
NPI Vase 2nd Round - Cheltenham Saracens 6 - Drybrook 35

Drybrook eased into the next round with this comfortable victory at the St Paul’s College Ground.  Saracens swept into an early lead with a penalty in the first minute but Drybrook soon began to take control through their forwards and steadily built up the pressure that led to their opening try.  A catch and drive from a line out led to Neil Morgan grabbing the touchdown but Saracens hit straight back with a penalty to regain the lead.  Drybrook did not play particularly well in the first half but just did enough to keep their noses in front through 2 Chris Thomas penalties to give them an 11pts – 6pts advantage at the break.

Early in the second half Drybrook increased their lead when they pushed Saracens off their own ball before charging up field where prop Tom Reed received the final pass to score. Chris Thomas converted and then added a penalty to further increase his team’s lead.  Drybrook made a number of changes and continued to dominate the forward exchanges but made little headway out behind.  In the final minutes they at last added to their total when Neil Morgan picked up from the scrum before powering over the line for Chris Rawlings to convert.  Deep in injury time Drybrook scored the best try of the game when a bout of inter passing in which substitute Pete Meek and Simon Burke were prominent led to centre Steve Skelton touching down behind the posts.  Rawling’s successful conversion signalled the end of the game.

Drybrook team: David Payne, Simon Burke, Steve Rawlings, Steve Skelton, Jason Roberts, Chris Rawlings, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Steve Turley, Mark Weaver, Neil Morgan , Richard Roberts, Craig Moore.
Replacements:Clive Boughton, Lee Phelps, Peter Meek, Greg Kiernan

8th October - Drybrook defeated by League leaders
Gloucestershire Premier League - Drybrook 15pts - Chosen Hill FP 26pts

Chosen Hill cemented their place at the top of the table with this victory over a weakened Drybrook side at the Mannings.  The visitors opened the scoring with a converted try after only 3 minutes when they pushed Drybrook off their own ball at a scrum on the 10 metre line before breaking clear to score.  Drybrook skipper Neil Merrett reduced the arrears with a penalty on 17 minutes during one of his team’s best spells during which they pressurised Chosen Hill for quite some time.  A couple of injury blows led to both Merrett and second row Jim Rugman leaving the field and the visitors seized the advantage to add 2 penalty goals to put themselves 13pts -–3pts ahead at the break.

For the first 20 minutes of the second half both teams attempted to play open rugby and Drybrook clawed themselves back into it through 2 penalties from hooker Chris Thomas.  The visitors then had their best spell when a catch and drive at a lineout created the opportunity for a pop pass to the centre who crashed over for a try.  Minutes later a kick and chase caused confusion in the Drybrook defence and Chosen Hill were able to pick up and score to put themselves 25pts – 9pts up.  With 10 minutes remaining Drybrook lost their other second row Jim Hillcoat but his replacement Dean Large salvaged some pride late on when a quickly taken penalty led to a ruck from which he picked up and forced his way over the line.

Drybrook team: Steve Rawlings, Jason Roberts, Chris Rawlings, Steve Skelton, David Payne, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Ian Pritchard , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Jim Hillcoat, Jim Rugman, Neil Morgan , Richard Roberts, Craig Moore.
Replacements:Chris Morgan, Dean Large, Lee Phelps.

1st October - Drybrook well beaten at Redwell Road
Gloucestershire Premier League - Matson 36pts - Drybrook 15pts

Excellent one week but poor the next is perhaps the best way of summing up this Drybrook team who not only lost for the first time this season but missed out on the opportunity of sharing the top spot with Chosen Hill, a side they will meet next week.  Matson wanted victory more than Drybrook and in particular their forwards were more aggressive and laid the foundation for a comfortable victory.  Within 9 minutes the hosts were 12pts – nil up through 2 tries both as a result of rolling mauls that Drybrook were unable to deal with.  Neil Merrett slotted a penalty for Drybrook but Matson ensured a healthy advantage at the interval with a third try, this time out wide after another good drive from the home forwards.

It was all one way traffic at the start of the second half as Matson started throwing the ball around and helped by some woeful tackling from Drybrook they swept into a 31pts – 3pts lead with a half hour of the game still remaining.  Drybrook brought on some replacements and finally salvaged some pride when they were awarded a penalty try after 20 minutes that Merrett easily converted.  A tap penalty move five minutes later led to winger Simon Burke crossing for a try in the corner after a good handling move from the Drybrook backs.  Matson though had the last word when Drybrook failed to clear the danger near their line and a poor clearance kick led another maul from which the home side were able to power over.

Drybrook team: Steve Rawlings, Chris Morgan, Chris Rawlings, Steve Skelton, Simon Burke, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Ian Pritchard , Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Jim Hillcoat, Mark Weaver, Neil Morgan , Jim Rugman, Craig Moore. Replacements: Richard Roberts, David Payne, Lee Phelps.

24th September - Drybrook rack up the half century
Gloucestershire Premier League - Drybrook 55pts Aretians 8pts

Drybrook completely routed their Bristol visitors with an all action display that contained some excellent tries and had it not been for a quiet spell mid way through the first half, then the score could have been even higher.  Winger Chris Morgan got the home side off to the best possible start when he cut through for the games first try with skipper Neil Merrett adding the extra points.  Merrett then sold a dummy under the Aretians posts to quickly add a second try that he easily converted to put Drybrook 14pts up after only 9 minutes.  It was then that Drybrook sat back instead of pressing home their advantage and in this period of stalemate the visitors opened their account with a penalty.It was just before the interval when prop Tom Reed crashed over from a maul for the game’s third try and then flanker Jim Rugman added a fourth when the ball was slipped to him following a pushover scrum attempt.

Aretians had their best spell just after the break and scored their only try but from then on it was all Drybrook.  Substitute Craig Moore immediately got in the action when he popped the ball to Tom Reed for his second try.

More pressure allowed scrum half Clayton Ryder a pushover score and then fullback Steve Rawlings delighted the crowd with a long run from deep that led to him brushing off several defenders before touching down in the corner.  Aretians did well to keep Drybrook out at times but could do little to stop centre Steve Skelton from crossing near the posts following a good handling movement.

It was fitting that Chris Rawlings should grab the last try as not only was he celebrating his 500th senior game for the club but he was also became the first Drybrook player to appear in 200 league matches.  Neil Merrett added 3 second half conversions to complete the scoring

Drybrook team: Steve Rawlings, Chris Morgan, Chris Rawlings, Steve Skelton, Simon Burke, Neil Merrett, Clayton Ryder, Tom Reed, Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, Jim Hillcoat, Steve Turley, Mark Weaver, Neil Morgan , Jim Rugman. Replacements: Ian Pritchard, David Payne, Craig Moore.

17th September -   DRYBROOK MADE TO BATTLE FOR VICTORY 
NPI Vase - Bream 6 vs Drybrook 15
 

Drybrook took the Forest derby spoils to move into the second round of the Powergen Junior Vase but they were made to work hard for their win.

by Emma Smith

In a game of contrasting styles - Bream favouring a physical, forward-oriented gameplan and Drybrook unleashing their backs at every opportunity - the visitors had the lion's share of possession but struggled to make it count.  Bream dominated early on and when Drybrook eventually made it to their 22, they were turned over - a frequent occurrence with both teams struggling for cohesion despite perfect conditions.  Flowing backs play took them back there but they were thwarted by unforced errors, their best chance coming when scrum-half Clayton Ryder fed fly-half and captain Neil Merrett from the ruck and he sent over a delicate chip for centre Steve Skelton to chase but Bream winger Dan Hardy got there first.  Winger Chris Morgan then went close and full-back Steve Rawlings looked certain to score after he barged through several tackles but dropped the ball.  A charge by winger Andy Frazer-Holland when Drybrook had been turned over earned Bream a penalty which came to nothing but they went for the kick next time with Frazer-Holland successful.  Bream came into the game more towards the end of the half and when Drybrook flanker Mark Weaver was sinbinned, Frazer-Holland posted the penalty.

Drybrook started the second half with a bang, Merrett and Skelton inter-passing before feeding Steve Rawlings, who was brought down just short.  They recycled out of the ruck though and worked the ball out to Chris Morgan, who scored.   Merrett missed the conversion and failed with a penalty two minutes later.  Drybrook threatened again when Skelton, Steve Rawlings and winger Simon Burke combined but they were turned over when they took the ball into the ruck.  Burke then went close and a minute later, Bream managed to hold up a drive for their line.   Merrett's missed a drop-goal attempt and then Steve Rawlings was bundled into touch metres out to leave their pressure unrewarded but then referee Chris Evans lost patience with Bream and awarded a penalty try for coming in from the side.  Merrett converted and then added a penalty but soon after, Bream enjoyed a sustained spell of possession. They failed to make it count though and they were running out of time.  Centres Rich Halford and Sean James inter-passed but replacement Nathan Parr spilled the ball with the line begging. Merrett failed with a drop-goal attempt but it was Bream who went closest to another score. They looked certain to touch down in injury-time when full-back Dave Hartwell fed Richard Halford in acres of space but he fumbled the pass to leave Bream scoreless in the second half.

 

Drybrook have drawn Cheltenham Saracens away in the second round due to be played 15th October.

10th September - NEIL INSPIRES OPENING WIN
GLOS PREMIER LEAGUE:  BARTON HILL 13 - DRYBROOK 15

Drybrook opened their Gloucestershire Premier campaign with a 15-13 victory against a tough Barton Hill outfit.
Drybrook began strongly and went ahead after eight minutes through a Neil Merrett penalty. Their pack did exceptionally well against the larger Hill eight but could not prevent the home side drawing level with a penalty on 24 minutes.
Drybrook regained the lead with a Jim Rugman try, scoring again before the interval when Merrett was held up under the posts but managed to pop a pass for Neil Morgan to score.
Merrett converted to give them a 12-point cushion at the break.

Midway through the second half Morgan was sent to the sin bin and Hill crossed for an unconverted try. Drybrook had a couple of chances to increase their lead but Hill created a try on the overlap in the last minute, missing the conversion that would have given them a draw.

3rd September - GOOD START FOR DRYBROOK .
DRYBROOK 19 - MATSON 10.

Drybrook opened their season with a victory against an improved Matson outfit.

Both sides rotated players and this inevitably led to a disjointed affair with plenty of mistakes, particularly by Matson, who had by far the larger squad.

Matson opened the scoring with a try, but Drybrook flanker Dean Large then helped himself to two tries, both converted by skipper Neil Merrett.

Matson got themselves back into it with a second try and, on several occasions, they should have added further scores. However, a combination of poor tactics and resolute defending ensured Drybrook always stayed ahead. In the last quarter, Drybrook made the game safe when substitute scrum-half Clayton Ryder wriggled his way through a tired defence for the deciding try.

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