Shipston suffered their first defeat of the season away at local rivals Stow on Saturday, as they came away from Oddington Road on the wrong end of a 41-15 scoreline.

It was always likely to be a difficult encounter against a side gunning for revenge after successive league defeats last season and so it proved for the Rams, as ultimately some sloppy errors and rustiness after 3 weeks without a fixture proved costly against a fired up and well organised Stow side.

The first half was a tight affair, with both sides showing signs of attacking intent and some solid defensive play. Stow took the lead after a chip through was blocked and their winger was able to gather the ball and race away for the opening try of the match. A penalty for Shipston cut the deficit before the Rams were stretched in their own twenty-two and Stow scored their second of the afternoon to go into a 12-3 lead. A promising Rams attack breached the home sides defensive line and Matt Daniells and Tobi Faulker worked the ball nicely to Christian Cummy on the wing. He chipped the ball over the covering fullback and whilst attempting to gather, was bundled over by the covering defender without the ball. A penalty try was awarded to the Rams and the Stow player was shown a yellow card for the infringement, 12-10.

Stow finished the half strongly and worked their way downfield with some strong carries and a solid kicking game from fly half. A second penalty for offside 10 metres from the Shipston line gave them an easy penalty opportunity and a chance to go in at the break with a 15-10 lead and all to play for.

The second half was largely dominated by the home side and Shipston struggled to gain any momentum or put any really meaningful phases f rugby together. A number of silly handling errors and an unusually poor lineout gifted cheap possession to the hosts and they were good enough to capitalize and take advantage of the opportunities. Stow scored a further four tries in the second period, whilst a Harry Clark try was all that Shipston could muster in response, meaning Stow were well deserving of their 41-15 victory.

It was a tough day at the office for the Rams who's commitment and perseverance could not be questioned, but a little quality and time on the field was clearly lacking after a number of weeks without a fixture. The MOTM was awarded to Dan Taylor who carried the ball well all afternoon and defended solidly throughout in the centre.

The Rams will look to bounce back this Saturday (23rd) when they make the trip down to table topping Aylesbury RFC.