STROUD made it back-to-back wins in the Counties 2 Tribute Gloucestershire North with a narrow 17-15 win at Coney Hill on Saturday.

Having beaten Old Richians in a high-scoring 44-31 last weekend, it was a much tighter affair in Gloucester as two even sides proved difficult to split. 

Stroud started the better of the two teams and a solid set piece set the platform for Joe Ashenford to beat the defence for the opening try of the match.

The hosts did rally, adding a penalty kick before they too used their driving line out to great effect to add a try of their own.

Not to be outdone, Stroud responded almost immediately after a penalty at the scrum was taken quickly. Strong running lines held the defence and quick hands moved the ball wide into space, allowing Dean Tattersall to canter over in the corner. Bringing the half-time score to 12-8.

Coney Hill took the first points of the second half, a pick-and-go try the reward for recycling the ball quickly from five meters out.

At this point, the match became scrappy and disjointed, with frequent breaks in play slowing down the game.

Then came the dramatic finale. Coney Hill conceded a kickable penalty and Stroud pointed to the posts with a view to securing a draw.

The kick fell short, but rather than clear their lines, Coney Hill, inexplicably, decided to run from deep.

Remarkably, a pass hit the floor and the ball was eagerly scooped up by Myles Marklove who dived over in the corner to take the win back to Stroud in astonishing fashion.