Southern Counties North
Bicester 23
Stow 22
ONE losing bonus point from the 23-22 defeat at Bicester on Saturday ensured Stow's survival in the Southern Counties North for another season.

Stow finished level on 33 points with Gosford All Blacks but a place ahead in ninth. Both teams had six wins during the season but Stow had a crucial draw.

So the trio of teams who may be relegated are Gosford, Milton Keynes and Bletchley.

The final game of the season was a great seven-try affair with both sides playing committed rugby and running the ball at every opportunity.

Bicester took control on five minutes with a first unconverted try only for Stow to retaliate straight from the kick-off. Regaining possession from the catcher, they moved the ball through five pairs of hands before Craig Chapman scored under the posts.

Following some fierce, driving forward play by both sides, Stow moved the ball wide at pace and captain James Holmes crossed the line, but he was unable to add the conversion.

Bicester were awarded a penalty on 22 minutes to reduce the arrears to 8-12.

The home side took the lead for the second time in the 25th minute as Stow spilled possession and the Bicester backs created another unconverted try.

The game become very competitive and a few injuries caused delays, but the commitment continued until half-time with no further scores.

The lead changed again on 53 minutes with the best try of the match, when the ever-threatening Stow backs scored through excellent quick handling by among several others Ben Hoyles and Ted Holmes to see James Holmes over the line for a try which he converted himself.

Three minutes later Stow missed a very kickable penalty, but made amends with another one, when Bicester were again put under severe pressure in front of their own posts.

On 66 minutes, Bicester again moved the ball well through their No.10 and found a way through the Stow defence to score an unconverted try, making the score 18-22.

Following more injury delays and replacements, Bicester pressured the visitors line for many minutes until Stow knocked on and conceded another five points to give the hosts a one-point lead.

Stow now had eight minutes to score a winning try or to hold on to one losing bonus point.

They defended well for the last few minutes and were relieved when the hosts knocked on and the ref blew the final whistle.