The James Connolly Memorial Cup

Cheltenham Saracens RFC- 42
Cheltenham North RFC -3

On a grey mild day the inaugural meeting for the James Connolly cup was held between 2 sides that JC both played and coached for...and it didn't disappoint the large crowd that had come to support both sides.
From the outset sarries started fast and furious,stringing phase after phase allowing Christopher Plumb to put Luke Morgan over the line within the first 5 mins...a fantastic start to the home side.
Mutterings of a possible rout were soon put on hold as the north came back hard and with purpose with the forwards making gains and frustrating Sarries at breakdown and scrum. This meant sarries were penalised far too often for silly infringements,giving the opposition field position and pressure.
...only for the north to let slip their grip and allow the home side to clear their lines.
The remainder of the 1st half was the same pattern with both sides failing to capitalise on territory and losing possession.
North replied with a penalty and eventually Sarries scored through Luke Morgan again in a carbon copy of his first....sarries leading 14-3 at half time.
After a stern talking to from skipper James McMahon,manager Scott Rowe, coaches Billy Burns and Jacob Rowan at half time sarries knuckled down and simplified their game which paid dividends.The kick chase and line speed in defence improving greatly.
The forwards gained a tiny foothold which allowed the sarries backs time to execute proficiently and not waste ball.The north were now most definitely on the back foot despite their best efforts to stem the sarries tide.
The 3rd try was scored by James Butler who scooted past defenders from the base of the ruck to dot down.
The moment of the game was aptly performed by Jame's son, Aaron Paddy Connolly...a driving maul from a lineout allowed him to score the bonus point try to the sound of fervent singing from the clubhouse balcony.
With the bonus point secured,sarries relaxed and started to play as they could.Slick handling after quick ball from ruck after ruck allowed Will Hewer to score next and the same again for Jake Michael Townsend to score on opposite wings. With the boot of James butler being accurate this meant a Final score of 42-3 to the sarries and the cup staying at the club of dreams,much to the delight of the home support.
The scoreline is slightly deceiving as it seems as though north capitulated...this was not however the case as the men in red and black were resolute in their efforts to win the game and were so until the final whistle.
Sarries were superb to a man with James Butler to the fore in a great performance from the backs, Chris True performed well in his new position of six and all the forwards matching the efforts of the backs.
Pick of the north players were the 8,6 and full back who were constant threats in defence and attack.
The writers MOM does not go to a player, your man of the match is
James Connolly
an ex-player and coach without whose guidance and help these 2 clubs would not be in the healthy position of playing Gloucestershire premier rugby today,along with guiding countless other players who play across the county.