Drybrook’s promotion hopes were damaged with this unexpected reverse at home to Cirencester. Drybrook had a nightmare as far as discipline was concerned as they allowed their frustration with the referee to get the better of them. For the majority of the game played with either 13 or 14 men on the pitch due to a spate of yellow cards and one red and it was hardly surprising that they came out second best.  Cirencester opened the scoring with 2 penalty goals and then after 20 minutes Drybrook’s John Duffin was sent off after arguing about a yellow card offence.  This gave Cirencester the advantage and when Drybrook were further reduced by another yellow card the visitors were able to get over for a try in the left hand corner.  Drybrook’s play was disjointed as they were continually penalised whenever they tried to get going but just before the break they finally got over for a try.  This time Cirencester had a player in the sin bin and Drybrook’s No 8 Julian Horrobin was able to get a long pass out to winger Steve Williams who crossed in the corner. 

Drybrook did play marginally better in the second half and got themselves back into it with 10 minutes remaining when Horrobin touched down after a Carl Moore pass down the blindside of a maul.  With the minutes ticking away Drybrook had the chance to win the game but stand off Aaron Ryder was off target with his penalty attempt and with it went the chance of victory.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton, Jamie Roberts, Leon Meek, Chris Rawlings, Jamie Roberts, Aaron Ryder, Carl Moore, Tom Reed (capt), Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, John Duffin, Simon Ballinger, Craig Moore, Peter Meek, Julian Horrobin
Replacements: Chris White, Luke Beard, Mark Castree.