Defence the Key as Pats hold Strong Stow

A hard fought, high quality encounter saw the Pats share the honours with a strong Stow side.

Having easily won a pre -season run out at the same venue, we faced a much improved Stow side under the lights on Friday evening. They have both pace and power in a well drilled side and though we fronted up well from the beginning, we were unable to hold out after a series of phases and they crossed in the corner.

The conversion was missed but a well worked peel at the rear of the line out saw Stow cross again and convert for a 12-0 lead. The size, pace and power of the opposition was obvious but we raised out game and the hits came in.

Our pack carried hard with Ollie prominent, Sam H tackling everything and Liam and Conor both physical in attack and defence. Concerted pressure at the end of the half finally saw Conor take a short line off a ruck and crash over near the posts. Sam P slotted the extras on the half time whistle. 12-7 at the break.

We shuffled the team with fresh legs at half time as did the opposition with yet more string carriers coming on.

The defences both upped the physicality and what looked certain scores were held out somehow by desperate tackles. Eventually Charlie W found a clever kick through and a quick ruck allowed Gabe to wriggle over in the far corner tying the scores.

Both teams had chances to win it, playing some expansive, counter-attacking rugby.

Finally, under intense pressure, our defence forced a knock on and the ref brought a pulsating encounter to a close.

Not a victory, but a fantastic, committed showing by all the team. Well played the Pats!

Tom Perris