Lose out to a late kick

THE visitors again lost a game when, for large periods of time, they were the more accomplished side.

The Piddle Park outfit enjoyed a superior scrummage and an excellent line-out in Saturday's rear-ranged game. But, behind the scrum, they lacked the cutting edge to turn possession into tries.

They undoubtably have skilful backs, but utilising their skills needs to be worked on. Fly-half James Martin is a young, talented and strong player and Pershore also have pace on the flanks, but they need someone to marshal the backs.

All too often the ball is kicked away when they play far better with the ball in hand.

The league clash was a tight affair with both teams playing an up tempo game on an afternoon when the lead changed continuously.

Stratford scored their first try when a speculative up and under wasn't gathered and the ball bounced kindly for a home winger to score under the posts.

The conversion was successful but Pershore stormed back and spent a considerable time in Stratford's 22. Pressure finally told when Martin Hope picked up from a scrum and attacked the defence to touch down for Martin to convert.

The kicker added a penalty straight after but, just on half-time, Stratford responded in kind to level the scores.

They then began to use their driving maul after the break but Pershore defended well and soon began to take control. However, a stray kick downfield fell into the arms of Stratford's flying winger who touched down for a converted try.

Pershore replied with a fabulous try from Steve Holmes after patient build-up play and Martin's successful conversion again left the sides level.

A topsy-turvy contest was settled with the last kick of the game when Stratford struck over a match winning penalty that sealed the visiting side's fate.