Old Patesians second-row James McIntosh hailed the positive feeling around the club as his side grinded out a 17-0 win over rivals Gloucester Old Boys on Saturday afternoon to stay within reach of league leaders Stroud.
McIntosh has been a 1st XV regular this season and said the fourth successive League win is credit to the work of the players in training.
“As a squad we know that if we keep putting in the graft during the week and focussing on ourselves, we will stay in the mix around the top of the league.
“Since the Stroud loss a few weeks ago we have hit back really well to ensure we keep this place a fortress.”
Facing their sternest test of the season so far, the home side made the ideal start to the contest when youngster Kyran Dillon got on the end of swift attacking move to reach out cross the line from short-range.
It was Pats who doubled their lead when veteran scrum-half Ben Smith linked up well with number-eight Chris Powell to snipe down the short side and dive over in the corner to make the score 10-0 at the break.
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With Old Boys conceding numerous penalties as the second-half went on, something had to give, and eventually it was prop Joe Hart who burst through the defensive line to score late on before Charlie Maker added the conversion to seal a well-deserved victory.
McIntosh expressed his delight at the physicality his side displayed during the victory.
“We knew this was going to be a physical game, but we fronted up from the off.
“It’s a great result at home in front of a big crowd, and there is a great buzz around the group.”
Old Patesians sit second in Gloucestershire Counties North 3 after eight games, where they will continue their league campaign with a short trip to Widden RFC this weekend.
