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Stratford ‘fluffed their lines’ in loss




Stratford 14

Stow on the Wold 33

Regional Two Midlands West

DIRECTOR of rugby Richard Pepperell warned Stratford will need to learn a few tough lessons after their five-match winning run was ended by Stow’s late show.

The contest between two sides pushing to end 2023 among the top four in Regional Two Midlands West was perfectly balanced at 14-14 with 12 minutes to play at Pearcecroft after the Black and Whites had scored tries through Tom Stanley and Charlie Powell.

But the match turned when Stratford looked set to threaten a score after Dan Whitby and Powell galloped down the left wing, Instead the ball was spilled, Stow gathered and, after two penalties took the visitors into the home 22, they had a game-defining try. They quickly followed with two more scores to take maximum points and join Newent and Silhillians as co-leaders.

Zak Amond on the charge for Stratford. Photo: Mark Williamson
Zak Amond on the charge for Stratford. Photo: Mark Williamson

Stratford, instead, slip to seventh, 13 points behind the pacesetters, and Pepperell says the players will need to refocus for a crunch start to the New Year when they visit fifth-placed Moseley Oak on Friday 5th January and then entertain Newent on 13th January.

“The final scoreline flattered Stow – the game went to and forth and it was 14-all from the 30th minute to the 68th,” said Pepperell.

“We could have had the next try but we fluffed our lines and then ten minutes later they have scored three tries.

“Reflecting on the game, it was two very good teams going toe to toe like two boxers but we ended up getting the bloodied nose.”

He added: “We need to learn from it. It’s about game management recognition; knowing what to do at the right time. We had chances but didn’t capitalise. We need to be more clinical.

“That’s where we need to improve. That’s the next stage, to go from being a team in the upper middle section of the league to one pushing right at the top.”

Despite having been two weeks without a game after the match at Ludlow was postponed, Stratford started smartly against Stow and were on the scoreboard inside three minutes. From the kick-off, the Black and Whites gathered possession, won a lineout and set Powell free to touch down for his ninth try in nine appearances.

Jack Young in action for Stratford on Saturday. Photos: Mark Williamson
Jack Young in action for Stratford on Saturday. Photos: Mark Williamson

Whitby added the extra two points but Stow hit back with two converted scores to go 14-7 ahead before Stanley’s try, supplemented by another Whitby conversion, levelled matters.

Pepperell was delighted with winger Powell’s performance, adding: “He was fantastic.

“He scored a try, made two more big breaks which should have led to more tries but his defensive work was brilliant. One covering tackle, racing from one wing to the other, saved a certain try.”



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