STOW 37 DRIFTERS 7

STOW put in their most complete performance of the season with this emphatic bonus point win, writes Ian Roberts.

With both sides coming into the game almost level pegging a win for either outfit would be a big boost.

Stow started strongly and it was clear from the start that they had the edge upfront especially in the loose where there were some exceptional driving mauls.

The first score started deep inside Stow half, they worked their way up field then created an overlap on the right flank for Craig Chapman to score, conversion missed.

Very soon after one of the rolling mauls ate up Drifters territory, Chapman made the break and when held up under the posts offloaded to Nick Cafearo who touched down then converted.

Drifters were still in the game but struggling to get any continuity mainly due to the very tight defence Stow were imposing.

Just on half time from some pressure Nick Cafearo added a penalty to take Stow to a 15 point to nil lead.

The second period also proved to be fruitful, Stow turned over Drifters possession with the lively Chris Powesland sprinting in for the third try which went unconverted.

Stow now wanted to secure the try bonus and it soon came when Dave Lane made a telling break then unselfishly popped the ball to Angus Hayward for the try which Nick Cafearo converted.

Stow were now on the rampage and a break from Angus Hayward saw him make ground, Powesland was on hand to take the pass and score his second which went unconverted.

Stow kept attacking but a spilled ball deep in the Drifters 22 was collected and with all of the Stow back line committed they scored a breakaway try under the posts.

With time running out a counter attack from Stow saw a kick through bounce nicely up for Ben Ulmer who collected the ball and touched down for Stow’s sixth and final try.

All in all a very solid all round team performance which will give them confidence going into next week encounter away at Marlow.