Stow RFC clinch another fine victory on a trip to Phoenix (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow RFC clinch another fine victory on a trip to Phoenix

DESPITE a number of worries in the selection department, Stow continued a fine run with a competent 29-11 Southern Counties North victory away to Phoenix on Saturday.

Even so, in the first quarter, the basement boys showed they were not prepared to give this game up without a fight.

Enjoying all the possession, Phoenix were awarded four penalties in quick succession, two of which were kicked.

The visitors started to get into the game and, from a scrum 25 metres out, Natham Graham beat several defenders in a jinking run to score, but put the conversion attempt wide.

From a stolen line-out, Luke Perrin made a great break to off-load to an ever-present Craig Chapman who scored, although Graham was off target with the extra points.

After Phoenix were offered the simplest of scores in the corner, Stow hit back with a well worked effort, a back-row move ending with Nathan Graham popping the ball inside to Paul Burns who crashed though under the posts. Graham this time could not miss the conversion.

From the restart, Stow secured possession and drove upfield for Charlie Davies to touch down close to the flag.

It left stand-in kicker Nathan Graham with a difficult shot, but meant a 22-11 half-time lead for Stow.

After the break, Phoenix defended well while their rivals conceded far too many penalties.

Stow's only score of the half came from their forwards. When Charlie Davies was brought down by a high tackle on the line, a penalty try was Nathan Graham converted.

Davies then had to leave the field for the final 15 minutes, but a good result away from home leaves Stow in second spot.

League leaders High Wy-combe visit Stow on January 8 for a top-of-the-table clash.