Stow second best in high-scoring battle (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow second best in high-scoring battle

Readingensians 52, Stow 38

SUFFERING two degrees centigrade and snow at home, Stow's first XV travelled into an overcast but balmy nine degrees in Reading where they met their top-of-the-table opponents.

Earlier in the season, at home, Stow unluckily lost to Readingensians by one point.

Although they were lacking their normal half-back combination, they felt they were in with a chance.

The game started with Stow applying pressure through their forwards, only for Readingensians to score a breakaway try early on.

Suddenly the four travelling supporters from Stow saw an opposition with backs who totally outclassed their side.

Readingensians points started mounting and a rout seemed inevitable. But the tide turned.

Stow's forwards stepped up a gear.

Although playing a scrappy game, they drove over for a try to show they were still in the match.

Stow captain, Pete Taylor, left the field injured but his side had been shaken into life by the onslaught of scores against them and were not about to roll over.

Time and again, the Stow forwards took the game to the opposition while their backs fought for everything to still be in contention at half time.

The second half saw Stow carry on the good work but still the danger came from the Reading backs, whose elusive fly-half could break Stow's defence at will, allowing his back line to break free.

A game of cat and mouse ground on, with the Stow backs spoiling and scoring whenever possible, while their forwards dominated up front.

An exciting game ended with Stow achieving a respectable result after a thrashing appeared certain.

Their six tries were scored by George Walker, Marcus Edwards, Matt Hicks, Alex, Will and Craig Chapman, with Duncan Smith taking the kicks. A special mention goes to the young Stow scrum-half, Will Bevan, who grew in stature throughout the game.