Rugby Union
Wanderers secure crucial win at in-form Stoke

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WORCESTER Wanderers claimed another vital victory in their quest for promotion from Midlands One West as they came away with a 24-18 win at in-form Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.

The Staffordshire side were in buoyant mood after winning their last three league games, including upsetting promotion-chasing Burton.

But their confidence was dented within the opening ten minutes when Jake Saddington fed Simon Daws who raced over unopposed for Wanderers' opening try, which Tom Biggs converted.

Stoke were not to be undone, though, as they hit back with a penalty from Chris Rowley before the scrum half converted James Loska's try on 24 minutes to take a 10-7 lead.

The try galvanised Worcester, who quickly got themselves back in front thanks to a try from James Price.

With Wanderers holding a slender 12-10 advantage at the break, Stoke ran out determined to regain the lead.

And after a solid period of pressure they soon did as Rowley's penalty was followed by a try from Paul Ramage.

But Worcester remained composed and responded with a try from Simon James. Biggs added the extras to edge ahead at 19-18.

Wanderers continued to boss possession and territory and secured the all-important bonus point. James once again benefited from strong work from the forwards to crash over for his second try.

Stoke tried to force their way back into the match, but, in the end, they had to settle with a losing bonus point as Worcester held firm.

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