Glos Reserve League Div Three

Minchinhampton Rams 22 Stow II 24

THE RAMS failed to capitalise on long periods of pressure in the opposition 22 and just lost out in a tough but entertaining encounter played in a good spirit.

True to form, Rams started poorly – shipping three tries in the first 20 minutes – but finished on top, without quite closing the gap at the end. Early errors gifted opportunities to a tactically astute Stow team, who duly took advantage. Minch then began to assert themselves with powerful scrummaging from Mike Evans and co, high quality kicking from Clive Eagles and forceful runs from backs Ben Read and Joe Langford.

It wasn’t long before a concerted drive from the pack brought a try for man-of–the match and birthday boy Niall Kimber, who soon doubled his tally, sliding in after a series of well-controlled phases of attack on the Stow line. Minch were back in the game at half-time (12-17).

After the interval, the Rams continued in the driving seat, as force-of-nature Fraser Smith powered his way over in typically rumbustious fashion.

Minch were level and the game was gaining in intensity.

The dependable Dan Tedham was once again invaluable as the link player and tackled tirelessly.

Stow were determined, though, and deployed the long kick well in the wind, soon extending their lead with a well-taken converted try to make it 17-24.

The Rams showed an improvement on recent weeks in ball retention, while Matt Jenns and Adam Stride both excelled by instigating turnovers.

As the hail came down, the Rams were camped in the Stow 22, with Tom Rosser-Smith, Matt Bell, Jon Sparkhall and young wing Ben Jones all seen to good effect.

Finally, a Stow line-out, contested by the excellent Dan Wood, was seized upon by the alert Jenns for a well-deserved try.

The last 10 minutes were helter-skelter with Langford, who ran and tackled hard all game, the stand-out player.

But try as they might the Rams could not get the winning score.

Credit to Stow, who defended manfully and were understandably delighted to hang on for the win.