Rugby Union
Wanderers slip up against Stratford

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WORCESTER Wanderers suffered only their second defeat of the season as they went down 27-20 to a resolute Stratford upon Avon side at Weston Fields on Saturday.

The hosts had the lion share of territory and possession throughout, but their hard work went largely unrewarded during a frustrating afternoon for the promotion chasers.

Wanderers did, however, secure a 10-8 lead at the break thanks to a penalty from Tom Biggs and a converted try through Jake Saddington.

The momentum continued into the second period as Worcester began on the front foot before Saddington notched up his second try, which Biggs converted.

But the visitors responded in fine style as they hit back with two tries in quick succession, The second came from full back Jo Cook, who gathered a speculative field kick before cantering through to score under the posts.

Trailing 27-17 and with time running out, Wanderers went for broke, turning down several straightforward penalty opportunities as they searched for a try.

Chris Griffiths and Russ Marsland both had appeals for tries turned down and it looked like Worcester would have nothing to show for their battling performance.

But Biggs kept his cool in the dying moments to calmly stroke home a penalty to salvage a bonus point.

There was further relief for Wanderers after the final whistle as Old Halesonians failed to extend their lead at the top of Midlands One West as they lost 13-12 at home to Walsall.

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