PRE-CHRISTMAS festivities meant neither side could field a full team for the match, with both relying on 12 stalwart representatives.

The result, three goals and a try to two goals and a try, was a fair comment on the final strengths and weaknesses of both sides.

Minchinhampton spent the first ten minutes in the visitors half, without scoring. This was largely due to defensive tackling by Matt Reader and Justin King.

The home side's heavy forwards managed to keep drive after drive going, falling short of the line on one occasion until John Sparkhall broke from the back of a maul and ran the ball in under the posts. Tom Norton had a simple kick for the conversion.

Some rather scrappy action saw Norton crossong the line himself and converting his own score to make the half-time score 14-0.

Minchinhampton increased their lead just after the second half started with a try by Paul Hollands. Norton eased the ball over to make it to a 21-0.

By now, the home side were beginning to feel the weight of their exertions, or Malmesbury were reading the game better.

Justin King took the ball from a break by James, and outpaced the opposition defence to score. The conversion went wide.

Minchinhampton were still in the attack and Hollands scored in the corner, after Sparkhall and Craig had attacked across the field to the left.

Malmesbury's final scores came from two pieces of powerful running, Firstly by Dorian James and secondly by Justin King.

In both cases, a half chance was spotted and utilised and the ball carrier then outran the opposition.