Rugby Union
Stow go clear at the summit

Swindon College Old Boys 10 Stow 26

Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier

STOW opened a three-point lead at the top of the table and with games in hand as they saw off their high-flying hosts on Saturday.

There was all to play for in this game as the winners would go clear at the top of the league and in very trying conditions it was Stow who took control of the game early on and were soon six points up from two Nick Cafearo penalties.

The home side came back but a stolen lineout ball by Stow in their own 22 secured possession. Brilliant play from the forwards and backs saw play move the full length of the field where Louis Chapman picked up and drove over the line, but the score went unconverted.

The home side were now very much more in the game but it was Stow who seemed to be able to dictate play. Swindon were penalised and Stow moved up to the 22 where a scrum was won and the ball shipped blind to George Roddan to score in the corner, again unconverted.

Just before the break Swindon kicked a penalty but Stow held a healthy 16-3 lead.

The second half saw Swindon start well but as conditions worsened flowing rugby became very difficult. Stow held firm then worked their way back upfield.

A scrum wide on the right was won and winger James Holmes broke through to score close to the posts and Cafearo converted.

Swindon hit back and from some sustained pressure a quick tap penalty resulted in a converted try in the corner.

From the restart Swindon were penalised and some back chat resulted in another ten metres and a third Cafearo penalty.

The last few minutes were played in near dark conditions and Stow very nearly took a try bonus point when they stole possession close to the Swindon line but the home side held out.

Stow return to league action at home to Aylesbury Athletic on December 8.

Regional sport »