Stow-on-the-Wold RFC continue a winning streak (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow-on-the-Wold RFC continue a winning streak

STOW RFC were never likely to lose last Saturday's league game with their Buckingham hosts rarely looking as if they could cross the visitors' line.

In near-perfect conditions, the Gloucestershire side started the better.

Natham Graham ran the ball back from his own half and passed to Will Sare who hugged the touchline to race in from half- way. Duncan Smith failed with the conversion attempt.

Stow went further ahead when the forwards stole a Buckingham lineout. From the breakdown, quick ball saw Duncan Smith with a clear overlap to score close to the posts, leaving himself a straightforward two points.

The home side managed to break out, mainly due to their opponents making mistakes or giving away penalties.

For their efforts, they scored two penalties before Stow went further ahead. First a scrum on the right was won with centre Harold Smith breaking through the midfield.

And quick second phase created the extra man with Davey Jones having a simple run in. Smith hit a post with the conversion attempt. Nonetheless, at the break, Stow had a 17 points to six lead.

Buckingham started very much the better after the break with Stow taking time to find their first-half form. However, the Stow defence remained solid with their rivals having nothing to show for their efforts.

Soon after, Stow took their tally to 20 points with a Duncan Smith penalty in front of the posts.

In response, Buckingham kicked into the Stow 22. But the lively Davey Jones made a great run which took play into the home side's half before he passed to Natham Graham.

He unselfishly gave the inside pass to Andy Cartlidge, who had come from the other wing, to score. Smith stroked over a tricky conversion.

Stow continued to pressure their opponents, especially in the scrum. A dummy mis-move in the centres gave Duncan Smith a clear run under the posts to score and the formality of the conversion.

With little time left on the clock, Stow had secured a 34-6 win that keeps them in second spot in the table.

This Saturday, Stow are set to entertain Bicester, 3pm ko.