Rugby - Amersham and Chiltern vs Stow (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rugby - Amersham and Chiltern vs Stow

Amersham and Chiltern 14, Stow 18

STOW made it four wins out of the last six games to at last start moving up the table, but with a lot more work still to do to get clear of the drop zone. The strong wind was going to be a major factor in this game with the home side having the advantage first half.

However they struggled to put points on the board which caused them problems later on. Stow battled well and looked very safe up front with the second row pairing of Taylor and Gardener dominating the lineout. Amersham created very few try scoring chances with the Stow defence again working well.

However, with the strong wind the home side took the lead with a penalty after Stow were pulled up for crossing, Mat Watts levelled the scores with a very well taken reply. Stow now had more control of the game but when possession was lost were driven back deep into their own half.

In one of their attacks they gained a five metre scrum, Patton at number eight picked up and drove close to the line and in-form scrum half Dean Cooper nipped blind to score and take a well deserved lead. The home side regained the advantage with two penalties just before the break to lead 9-8.

The second half saw Stow utilise the wind. Several attacks were thwarted with some stubborn defence by Amersham who rarely set foot out of their own half. Stow had two good penalty chances to regain the lead but these went wide, however Mat Watts made amends by kicking Stow into a deserved lead after Amersham were pulled up for offside.

With only a few minutes left on the clock Stow made the killer blow, after again sustained pressure on the home side's line another five metre scrum was won. Barry Clark now at number eight picked up and set up the ruck close to the try line with Dean Cooper collecting the quick ball to dart over. Mat Watts converted.

With time nearly up for once Stow missed a couple of tackles midfield which let in Amersham wide out for the only try of the afternoon. The conversion was missed and from the re-start the final whistle blown with Stow running out worthy winners.

Next week Stow have a week off from league action but visit old friends Shipston-on-Stour.