Stow rugby on song against Amersham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow rugby on song against Amersham

Stow-on-the-Wold RFC 19, Amersham and Chiltern RFC 3

STOW finally showed their potential with this comfortable win.

They created many chances but basic mistakes saw them only score three tries.

The omens did not look good as Amersham pressed from the start.

They missed a penalty before converting another in the eighth minute.

Stow's forwards then started working as a unit in the loose and tight, supplying their back division with good ball.

With a series of phases keeping the ball in-hand, a break by Duncan Smith took play to within 15 meters.

With one defender to beat, prop, Josh Harrison, was on hand to take the pass and score close to the posts, leaving Smith a simple conversion.

Stow pressed again but lost possession in Amersham territory.

The ball was kicked downfield and collected by Craig Chapman, who gained valuable ground.

Alex Willens took play on before quick ball, from the ruck, sent centre, Paul Burns, crashing through the defence.

Again with one man to beat, he unselfishly passed to captain, Pete Taylor, who ran in an unconverted try.

With Stow dominating possession, Amersham struggled to get into the game.

A golden opportunity went begging when a great break gave midfield left-winger, Bradley Wrench, an unopposed run in but he could not hold onto the ball.

Several more chances evaporated through simple mistakes but Stow led 12-3 at the break.

Stow started the second half where they left off but lost Willens to the sin bin.

Amsersham missed touch with the penalty.

The ball was collected and driven back by Mat Hicks before a great crash offload to George Walker let him run in under the posts, giving Smith another simple two points.

Amersham rallied, pinning Stow back, but the home defence was watertight. Just as Stow again fielded 15 men, they lost Josh Harrision to the sin bin, which gave the visitors the upper hand again.

However, superb defence repelled several sorties close to the Stow line.

The last few minutes saw Stow take back the initiative, starving Amersham of ball.

No more points were scored but Stow were pleased with their day's work.