Shipston Veterans 17pts, Southam Veterans 25

SHIPSTON had the better of the opening minutes under lights at Mayo Road and were rewarded when winger Rob Peters grounded under the posts and Carl Hamilton converted.

The pace of the game was faster than some of the gathered players would have asked for.

Great handling and open rugby from both sides also meant that the first scrum didn't come until 15 minutes had elapsed.

Southam got on the scoresheet from an attacking line-out in Shipston's 22 when the hosts stole possession but the tap down was gathered by a Southam forward who raced over unopposed.

A second try came just before the break for a 12-7 interval score.

The visitors were superior at the breakdowns and managed to turnover plenty of ruck ball. A third try and then a penalty took Southam clear but a jinking run by Rob Higgins from 30 metres out kept Shipston in the game at 20-12.

The Rams had the advantage in the scrums with the front row of Ashworth, Goodman and Barnard dominant but Southam put the game out of reach with a fourth try before Peters finished off a slick backs move right at the end for his second try.