RUGBY

Westbury 26,

Cooper Avon Tyres 18

WESTBURY hit back after being behind twice to book their place in the third round of the Tetley Bitter Vase.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play with a penalty by Richard Woolfood.

But Westbury's large pack were rampant and dominated the scrummage, allowing Rich Coleman, at fly half, to pin the Melksham side deep in their own half.

The inevitable try came when Bobby Dunn went over in the corner.

Cooper-Avon responded with Mark Bruce, outstanding at lock, setting his backs moving on a rare attack which saw winger Terry Case also score in the corner to leave the half-time score at 8-8.

The second half began with Cooper Avon surprisingly taking a 10 point lead with two excellent tries coming from broken play, scored by centre Phil Spiers and flanker Riad Lachen.

Westbury then reasserted their authority on the game and were soon level thanks to a penalty and converted try scored by second row Matt Dowty.

A further penalty by Rich Coleman and a try from brother Eddie at flanker saw Westbury secure victory.

Visiting coach Gary Cooke paid tribute to Westbury's pack, but was far from happy with his own side's ill-discipline which added to the home sides incessant pressure.

Cooper Avon seconds hosted Cricklade and won 14-12.

Rich Jory, playing his first game of the season, scored the first try, and club stalwart Nigel Groves added the second.

Matt Trueman converted both.

Old Culverhaysians 12,

Trowbridge 0

TROWBRIDGE laid the ghosts of last week's league defeat with a spirited display against the Bath side.

In the light of some over-ambitious tactics and underhand methods used by the Bath side's pack, Trowbridge came through a potentially difficult game with flying colours.

Trowbridge played most of the rugby in a game that was always teetering on the brink of getting out of control.

Notable performances came from prop Paul Stockley and Lee McClerg and Andy Millar, who were making their first team debuts.

Trowbridge trailed by a single try for 80 minutes, but could not break down the sometimes desperate defence of Old Culverhaysians.

In the 80th minute, Old Culverhaysians scored a breakaway try which was converted to make the final score 12-0.

This prompted a mass brawl, in which several Trowbridge players sought retribution for earlier incidents by Old Culverhaysians, and the referee decided to stop the game early.

Avon 2nds 0, Trowbridge 2nds 18

TROWBRIDGE produced an excellent display to defeat local rivals Avon for the first time in several seasons.

Trowbridge started well, forcing Avon onto the back foot. A quick tap penalty by prop Bill Chidlow lead to a drive only halted just short of Avon's line by more infringements. Fly half Adam Sullivan kicked his first penalty of the day to give Trowbridge a 3-0 lead.

From the restart Trowbridge refused to be pushed back into their own half and despite some strong attacks by the Avon backs the Trowbridge defence remained resolute.

Trowbridge worked their way back up the field, with their back line creating the space for Jason Harvey to score a try.

The game remained 8-0 in Trowbridge's favour until the last quarter when they sealed victory with a penalty from Adam Sullivan and a fine try for flanker Jamie Little, who crossed over after a fine solo effort from Chidlow. Adam Sullivan added the conversation.

Trowbridge 3rds 17, Avon 3rds 22

TROWBRIDGE were unable to overcome a strong Avon side in a game they should have won.

They were caught napping at the start and Avon quickly capitalised by scoring a try. When it looked like Avon were going to dominate the game Trowbridge began their fight back, with superb tackling from flanker Tony Deacon and scrum half Tom Hanham making breaks around the base of the scrums, rucks and mauls.

Number eight Jason Reed produced some strong powerful runs and was rewarded with a try and flanker Frank Arroyo scored his first try for Trowbridge.

Mike Solomon added two conversations and a penalty.