DRYBROOK had a wasted journey to Cirencester on Saturday, finding the pitch unplayable on arrival.

The referee was unhappy with the frost in the pitch and, after consulting with both captains and officials, called the Western Counties North game off.

This is the second time in two seasons that Drybrook have travelled at considerable expense, only to find the game postponed at the last minute.

Curiously, the Gloucestershire Reserve League Division Three match between Cirencester II and Drybrook Extras went ahead on an adjoining pitch. Drybrook won this contest 29-5.

For once, Extras skipper Chris Tingle had a strong side to pick from and he left himself out of the starting XV.

Running up the slope, Drybrook took an early lead when Simon Rugman – playing in the unaccustomed position of number eight – barged over for a try that Andy Milner converted.

After this it was all Cirencester, as Drybrook struggled to clear their lines. The home side scored a deserved try on 20 minutes.

Drybrook's pack found it hard going, especially in the scrums where it was difficult to get a foothold, but somehow they held out until the interval.

In the second-half Drybrook quickly took control. When the ball was fed to replacement winger Gareth Jones, he showed a clean pair of heels to the Cirencester defence to go over in the corner.

Milner converted from wide out, adding a penalty just minutes later.

Drybrook put the result beyond doubt when Tony Paull turned defence into attack after receiving the ball in his own 22.

Paull rounded his opposite number and beat two more defenders on a great run to the line. Milner converted from under the posts.

Drybrook introduced Tony Hussey at scrum-half for his comeback game from a long injury lay-off. He quickly made his mark, catching Cirencester unawares by taking a tap-penalty and going over for a try.

The luckless Hussey was later forced off with a reoccurrence of his injury, but Drybrook rode out the last 10 minutes to secure the win.

This was a good performance from Drybrook, who were particularly well served by the likes of Adam Yemm, Mike Davies, Chris Parker and Tony Paull.

Drybrook Extras: Andy Milner, Tony Paull, Phil Probert, John Jeffs, James Meek, Jimmy Ryder, Bobby Walding, Ian Pritchard, Mike Davies, Chris Parker, Ben Steward, Adam Yemm, Ian Murphy, Craig Lancett, Simon Rugman. Reps: Gareth Jones, Tony Hussey, Ian Rawlings, Anthony Suter, Lee Burton, Chris Tingle.

DRYBROOK United's rearranged match with Newent was also called off.