Southern Counties North

Stow 12

Thatcham 33

A VERY poor first-half display saw Stow out of the game by the break. Thatcham’s pace and ball retention meant the home side were on the defensive from the outset.

The first score came from a five-metre scrum which Thatcham drove over the line. Soon after, some great ball handling from their backs resulted in a seven-pointer under the posts.

Stow were struggling to get into the game and before long Thatcham had their third try after Stow lost possession in midfield and missed several tackles. The try was converted.

Just before the break the visitors scored their bonus-point try which was also converted.

The second half was a different story. Although Thatcham opened the scoring after the interval it was Stow who had the upper hand for the remainder of the game.

A great break by Ben Hoyles saw him offload to Craig Chapman who made further ground before the supporting Tom Rose went over.

More pressure from Stow saw another good break from full back Hoyles, who raced in under the posts, with James Holmes converting. Unfortunately this was all too late for the frustrated Stow team, but once again several of the younger players shone.

This weekend Stow are at home to Aylesbury.