CIRENCESTER put themselves into the Gloucestershire Premier Division driving seat heading into the New Year with a comfortable 18-6 victory over Spartans.

Rick Scott's men took over at the head of the table with a dominant performance that left Spartans try-less in a match for the first time this season.

And Scott admitted: "I expected the victory, even though I knew it would be a hard game.

"Spartans are a good side and it's the first time they haven't managed a try so it was a really good result for us.''

He added: "We've taken three out of the four possible points on offer against Spartans and that shows how good we are.''

Ciren were handed the perfect start in the opening five minutes when a good move allowed left wing and skipper Chris Cox to score the touchdown.

The home side missed the conversion but around 15 minutes later they stretched their advantage when Adam Seager landed a penalty to make it 8-0.

Right on half-time, Gloucester visitors Spartans finally got on the scoresheet with a penalty of their own, but shortly after the resumption Seager kicked another three-pointer to restore the home side's advantage.

Another Spartans breakout and penalty reduced arrears to 11-6, but a fine move sealed the match for Ciren in the dying minutes.

Good driving play from the forwards sent the ball out to the three-quarters where centre Andy Ramsey burst through to score under the posts.

Seager added the two points to confirm victory.