Stow RFC show much flair against table-topping Swanage (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow RFC show much flair against table-topping Swanage

DESPERATELY needing a league victory against table-topping Swanage & Wareham on Saturday, Stow didn't get the points but they certainly gave the visitors a good run for their money.

In the end, the score flattered Swanage as their hosts put in one of their best, all-round performances this season.

All the early pressure came from Stow, as they continued to string several phases together and, but for some wrong options and errors, they should have crossed their visitors' line.

However, it was against the run of play when Swanage struck.

They were awarded a penalty, which they kicked to touch, with Stow keeping the ball in play.

Unluckily, the referee blew his whistle early and so had to ask for the kick to be retaken.

This time, touch was made and, from the resulting lineout, the ball went through a series of phases before the touchdown in the corner. The kick went wide.

But Stow countered and came very close to scoring when Duncan Smith put in a great crossfield kick for Andy Easton.

Annoyingly for Stow, Easton just failed to get to the ball before it rolled into touch close to the opponents' line.

Swanage replied when they were awarded a rather borderline penalty and kicked for the lineout which this time went blind.

Their winger chipped over the top with the ball sitting up nicely for him to score. This attempted kick also sailed wide.

After the break, Swanage appeared more in control of matter, but Stow's defence and commitment was brilliant at keeping the visitors at bay for some 20 minutes.

Nonetheless, it was from a series of penalties that the ball eventually went wide and, with the overlap, a third try was created.

Despite this setback, Stow would not lie down and conjured up the best try of the game.

When possession was won in their own half, Stow forwards made several telling runs both ways, and captain Pete Taylor took the ball up the left-hand side to the 22-metre line.

From the ruck, quick service sent the ball wide and, with very little Swanage cover left, back-row Harold Smith turned poacher by crashing over close to the posts. Duncan Smith added the conversion.

Barely five minutes later, Stow could have been right back in the game had a Smith penalty not shaved the wrong side of an upright.

In the dying minutes, the visitors took advantage of a penalty in front of the posts to take the game, although the final score in no way reflected Stow's contribution to a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of rugby.

Stow-on-the-Wold, who are looking to take the points away to Wimborne this Saturday to help their league survival, are asking for as much support as is possible.