Trowbridge narrowly won at their Gloucester rivals ground earlier this season when a Centralians conversion was missed to a last minute try making the score 38-36 to the Doric Park side. They were unusually back to full strength for the return match at Doric Park following two weeks inactivity and first team regulars Rory Murchison and Ali Frost unable to regain first team places following their return from several weeks injuries. They were available to help the second team in their battle against relegation. At this stage the team is assured of at least a play off place for promotion to Regional One South West, but they need a bonus point win in three out of their four remaining matches to be assured of winning the Regional Two Severn league.

Trowbridge dominated proceedings in the first half when Centralians only threatened briefly. An early try after only four minutes from flanker Ben Mallett was followed by a second score from hooker Rhys Redman. Scrum half Ali Lane broke away after 19 minutes to score and give Trowbridge good control. The first two scores were converted by Tom Weaver and the visitors, whose large pack suffered in the scrums and line outs only real contribution was petulant foul play resulting in a yellow card to one of their forwards. The teams turned round with the score 19-0.

Soon after the break centre Sam Harrison scored again to gain a bonus point awarded for the fourth try and Redman extended the lead to 33-0 in the 56th minute after Weaver’s conversion. But from this point Trowbridge lost discipline and started to give away penalties. This gave the visitors some optimism and they scored three tries in the last quarter mainly from long range, as Trowbridge appeared to think they had won the game. Wing Jevan Brown, who have always been a dangerous player for the Cents, outpaced the Trowbridge defence which he hastily converted himself with a drop kick. This was followed by their other wing Diontay King also scoring from long way out. A further try was scored by a replacement winger and Wayne Mulhearn converted to narrow the lead to 33-19. A further attack from Centralians was intercepted by Alex Christopher who fed the ball to full back Alex Kilbane conscious of the mounting dangers and he belted the ball into touch for referee Stuart Kirby to blow the final whistle.

Trowbridge’s second team had a comfortable 57-0 win against their Marlborough counterparts to ease any relegation concerns which have gradually been easing since the start of the new year.

Trowbridge host Thornbury next Saturday before Witney’s visit on 21st March.