Stow U-13 19pts, Stroud 7 STOW'S County Cup run got off to a dream start when they caught Sunday's opponents cold and crossed for a try within three minutes.

Assisted by a fresh wind, Stow quickly established field position near the Stroud line from where Liam Gough surged over; Louis Millar added the extras.

Stow then camped in the visitors' half and, although the pack worked exceptionally hard, Stroud seemed to be absorbing all the pressure until Millar outpaced the defence to score a second try and add the conversion.

There was to be no further scores before half time and the 14-0 lead looked a fragile advantage.

Stroud were quick to use the elements and hand out some of what they had taken in the first half.

Although Stow defended resolutely their attempts to kick themselves out of trouble came to nothing as time and time again their kicks into midfield were enthusiastically run back at them.

Just when it looked impossible that Stroud would fail to score, a move was broken down and Millar was on hand to carry the ball to halfway from where Elliot Redmond drove forward.

Joe Dancer eluded several players to take the ball to the Stroud 22 where Redmond was on hand to complete a real team effort.

A lesser team might have lost heart at this stage but Stroud came back all the more determined.

Rhys Powell, Toby Stayt, Mike Wood, Sam Canning and Connor Shoemark all had to step forward to make big tackles but, after a period of sustained pressure, the visitors drove over for a well deserved and converted try that only proved a consolation.