Fullerians got off the mark first with a Dan Evans penalty in a very cagey opening 15 which both sides trying to work each other out having never played before and only coming together having been drawn in the quarter finals of this RFU National Cup competition, Cheltenham dispatched their first round opponents Swindon with ease whilst Fullers opposition Ipswich pulled out leaving us with a home walkover.

Our very own West Country lad and fan’s favourite Liam Boyd extended the lead soon after with the easiest of tries after some really good work from the front 3 allowing Boyd to touchdown, Evans missed the conversion from out wide.

Evans added another penalty to open up an 11 point lead in the first twenty and Fullers were looking like they were in control.

With two missed penalties behind them Cheltenham had other ideas and sprang into action with 3 really good unanswered tries, two of which were converted, to deservedly lead 11-19 at the break.

The visitors continued their good form and flew out of the blocks and added another try which was unconverted to stretch the lead further.
A quick score from skipper Ben Matchett, conversion missed by Evans and a George Harvey try 5 minutes later, conversion this time slotted excellently by Evans pulled Fullers right back in the game 23-24 still with over half an about to play.
Poor discipline from the Cheltenham centre saw himself carded for 10 minutes and Evans dispatched the penalty kick with ease which was followed a few minutes later with another kickable penalty and Fullers now lead 29-24.
Liam Mann got Fullers 4th try of the afternoon with some great footwork when he danced under the posts allowing the easiest of conversions for Evans to pop over.
Another yellow card was presented to a Cheltenham player, and on fire Evans dispatched with ease to almost put the game to bed, but Cheltenham were not going down without a fight and out of nowhere scored their 5th try and rushed the conversion attempt to try and find another two tries in as many minutes, yet another penalty slotted by Evans surely gave Fullers, who are now down to 14 owing to a Jack Hobbs yellow card for a high tackle, a big enough lead but the visitors had the last score with a resilient team effort and try and conversion at the death.

Full time 42-36

Gary Wall man of the match was Liam Boyd.

Fullerians are now through to the semifinals next Saturday 22nd April, the draw is being made on Monday evening so keep en eye on the social channels for the opponent’s and location!