Stratford hold on for nail-biting win over Wootton Bassett

STRATFORD held their nerve to claim a nail-biting 23-22 victory over Royal Wootton Bassett at Pearcecroft on Saturday.

The Black and Whites got off to an explosive start, racing into a 20-0 lead inside 15 minutes, but by the end of the game they were clinging on as Bassett’s bulkier forwards asserted their dominance.

“It was a bit of an odd match,” said Stratford skipper, Jo Cook.

“We came out very quickly and managed to score 20 points.

“Wootton Bassett had a big, superior pack and they were able to turn the screw in the scrums.

“But for what we lacked in size, we made up for in mobility. At the start, we were able to play some free-flowing and expansive rugby and they just couldn’t deal with it.”

Stratford’s tries came from Dan Whitby, Charlie Powell and James Southall. Toby Jones and Jonny Duncan each kicked a penalty, while Jones converted Powell’s effort.

Meanwhile, Jon Tarrant will be a special guest at this Saturday’s rearranged home game against Wimborne.

The original fixture in November was abandoned after eight minutes due to a serious injury to the Stratford prop.

Tarrant was airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious hip and knee injury in a freak accident after a maul.

Along with his family, Tarrant will be back to watch his team-mates in action, before taking in the England v Wales Six Nations game in the club bar later on.

Cook said: “We are all looking forward to seeing Jon. Regardless of how much England beat Wales by, it will be a good day at the club.”