BREAM'S second string face all the problems associated with modern-day rugby, but overcame them in style to defeat a determined Painswick team.
"It was our best performance of the season. Painswick were a good side and played well but we were very determined and produced probably our best display of the season," said committee man Richard Lappington.
Lappington says the United face up stoically to the weekly ritual of losing their best players to the First team.
"It has been really trying as the injury list has been so long. It has meant a difficult season. One week we beat Westbury by 80 points and the next week we had to cancel because we could not get a team to play Cinderford," he said.
Lappington also worries that rugby locally and nationwide is not attracting the numbers of young players it ought.
"Like almost every other club we are suffering from a lack of props. It seems to me that the game is not being taught in schools in the way it was and with other sports on offer rugby is suffering," he said.
On the bright side the United fielded their strongest side for weeks on Saturday.
Skippered by David James – a flanker described by Lappington as an inspiration to his team-mates – Bream led 12 - 5 at the interval and went on to edge the result by four points.
Bream's three tries were scored by the centres. Nick Hook crossed twice and James Awdry, once, with Charlie Bendall making two conversions.
There were excellent performances by backrowers Matthew James and Grant Price and a solid display by lock Danny Haines. At fullback Dave Hartwell was also impressive.
Lappington says he is aware the team will not always be as strong.
"In the Merit Table we have won one and lost one and we are well aware it is not going to be easy. We could do with a few more players, especially as cover in the vital positions," he said.