Gloucestershire League
Division One
Westbury on Severn 18,
Cheltenham CS 18
NEVER say die ... that was the message from Westbury skipper Dave Birtwistle as his team changed ends on Saturday trailing by 18 points.
And the captain, leading by example, showed the way scoring two second-half tries in a remarkable recovery. Right winger Birtwistle twice chased kicks ahead to win try-line chases and put his team back in the hunt for valuable league points. Other contributions came from Keith Ridler who kicked a conversion and two penalty goals.
But supporters reckon this was a game Westbury could and should have won.
"I thought we always had the edge. It was our own fault the Civil Service had such a big advantage as we made so many silly first-half mistakes," said club official Phil Bleathman.
However, he was delighted with the comeback which maintains Westbury's position in midtable along with a clutch of other teams.
"There's not much in it. The standard of rugby is quite competitive and it is quite difficult to predict what the score will be from week to week. We will be better able to judge our form over the next month when we play bottom team Tetbury and top team Old Bristolians," said Bleathman.
Injuries have not helped Westbury's cause this season. Since the opening game they have been unable to field an entire first choice team. Saturday's line-up included a change at hooker but the front-row of Bolton, Webb and Hawkins did well.
"Along with the tackling in the centres, the front-row play has been a strong point all season," said Bleathman.
Tough games ahead include a clash with Lydney United in the Combination Cup.