Shipston III 53pts, Stow II 7

STOW visited Mayo Road over the Easter period when they came up against a committed Rams team determined to continue their season in style.

The game, however, started with the home side uncharacteristically out of sorts and Stow scored a breakaway try to give them a 7-0 lead.

The reply was immediate with the first ball moved along the back line resulting in a try from a well-timed incursion into the line by Keith Hoskins.

A further try came from the reliable Tim Brendon who clearly touched down before William Howard making the score 10-7.

It was at this point of the game that Stow lost their full back to a freakish leg injury which caused a 20-minute stoppage to the game.

The second half saw a Shipston side totally committed to winning the game.

The pack was now very much on terms with the opposition and possession was wisely used for flier James Horton to exploit the opportunities presented to him by ruthlessly scoring six tries against demoralised opposition.

The scoring sequence was interrupted by the superb stamina of the tireless Chris Forman who, at openside flanker, spent the rest of the afternoon chasing in support and was rewarded with a deserved try to complete the scoring and record the side's 18th win of the season.