Stratford lose unbeaten home record to Stoke

Stratford looked to have done enough when a try from Drew Pritchard put them 20-16 ahead with eight minutes to play.

But Stoke, who were in a determined mood all afternoon, scored a late try of their own to seal a deserved victory.

“That’s the home record gone,” said director of rugby Tom Rance.

“Ultimately it was always going to be against a team like that and a performance like that.

“Stoke have been underestimated all season. They are an excellent side and let’s not forget 12 months ago they were looking for promotion.”

Callum Cook and Simon Baldwyn scored Stratford’s first-half tries, both converted by Nath Geekie.

The Black and Whites remain second in Midlands 1 West, four points behind leaders Bridgnorth, who have two games in hand.

Full match report and more reaction in next week’s Herald