Stow RFC victory takes them up to second place (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow RFC victory takes them up to second place

STOW RFC moved up to the number two slot behind league leaders High Wycombe after beating Henley Wanderers 33-22 on Saturday.

But the omens not looking good when the visitors ran out of their own half and with some good off-loading in the tackles.

And when they scored under the posts, it left the conversion a mere formality. But this proved only a temporary setback as Stow took control up front and dominated the set piece.

The first Stow score came from a period of pressure where Henley could not get out of their own 22.

The ball was held up over the line and, from the resulting five-metre scrum, Craig Chap-man touched down from a push-over try.

Duncan Smith added the extra two points. Stow kept up the impetus and were soon back deep in the visitors' territory. From a ruck, Nathan Graham darted for the line but was held up short.

Mat Hicks was on hand to take the pass and score close to the posts, leaving Duncan Smith no problem with the conversion.

Henley came back with a short period of pressure, but could muster only one penalty for their efforts.

Just before the break, Stow were awarded a penalty just in the opposition's half. The ball was kicked to the corner and, from the lineout, a good take and drive in the middle gave Craig Chapman the easiest of scores.

This time, Smith was wide with the conversion attempt, leaving Stow with a 19-10 interval lead.

Stow started the second half where they had left off. Several phases of play took the ball downfield.

From close range, the dominant forwards drove over the line with Hicks getting his second try and giving on-form Smith another easy conversion.

Although in total control, Stow were guilty of bad passing and decision making in the midfield which cost them points.

But they increased their lead when Henley missed touch. Davey Jones had a great run before setting up a ruck close to the line where captain Pete Taylor was on hand to pick up a drive over. Smith stroked over the conversion.

With only five minutes left, Stow took their foot off the gas and gave far too much space to the giant Henley no 8.

First off, he outpaced the home defence to score under the posts and, right on the final whistle, bullied his was through several tackles to score in the corner.

But then, it was far too late and Stow deservedly took the honours and the points.