RUGBY: Stow give themselves too much to do (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Second half rally not enough for Stow in County Cup

3:27pm Monday 24th September 2012 in Sport

County Cup.

Stow 21 Whitehall 32.

STOW were knocked out of the County Cup thanks to a very poor first-half performance.

The forwards were constantly under pressure which gave untidy ball to the back line and, as a result, very few chances were created.

The visitors scored early with an unconverted try in the corner.

Soon after the Whitehall forwards were rewarded for their dominance when, from a series of drives, the scrum half dived over; the try was converted.

Stow were living on scraps and did manage two Nick Cafearo penalties, but Whitehall scored their third try to lead 17-6 at the break.

The second half saw a new Stow side; they competed up front, started to win ball, and Cafearo kicked his third penalty before Whitehall replied with one of their own.

A quick tap penalty by Andrew Piercey gave Stow their first try before more pressure from the hosts was rewarded with a Craig Chapman try, converted by Cafearo to put Stow one point ahead with ten minutes to go.

But they could not hang on with the Whitehall forwards scoring from a line-out, and then bang on the final whistle Stow had a penalty try awarded against them.