Perfect start as Stratford strike early
Stratford 29, Cheltenham 17
STRATFORD welcomed Cheltenham Tigers to Pearcecroft in their final Regional Two Midlands West home game of the year and it could be said that Christmas came early as Stratford vice-captain Dan Whitby, playing inside centre, scored a first minute try under the posts.
It followed carries from forwards and backs with winger Andy Oliver being brought down just inside the five-metre line and Whitby driving over before converting his own score.
The visitors pressed and were held up over the line three times before a tap penalty was spread wide and although the attack was halted, the resulting ruck saw them dive in to score an unconverted try.
Following a Cheltenham yellow card, Stratford enjoyed a good amount of possession and they extended their lead when a kick for touch was taken by Ethan Cook. Following a series of passes, Oliver made ground before the ball went back to Cook who extended his arm over the line to score only to pick up an injury to be replaced by George Fox.
There was a third for the home side before half-time when Cheltenham defenders were caught offside. Back row Angus Wightman drove for the line only to be brought down just short but five phases later, hooker Ben Cole went over to make it 19-5 to Stratford at half-time.
The second half didn’t start so well for Stratford. Flanker Zak Hamersley was sent to the bin and then a tap penalty resulting in a ruck close to the posts ended with a Cheltenham forward picking up and waltzing under the posts. The conversion closed the gap to seven points.
A successful penalty made it 22-12 for the hosts and the Black-and-Whites then secured their bonus point fourth try when back up to 15. Nathan Geekie popped the ball inside for centre Tom Houlahan who side-stepped one and accelerated through the tackle of another to score beneath the posts with Whitby adding the extras.
League rivals Shipston climbed up to second in the table with their 31-17 victory over Ledbury at Mayo Road.
On Saturday, Stratford head to Ludlow and Shipston go to Cheltenham.
