Second-half recovery is enough for plucky Stoke

STOKE overcame a 20-8 half-time deficit to clinch a 34-20 home win over Barkers Butts in Midland One West.

Barkers enjoyed a first-half slope, and also had the wind and the rain at their backs, as they ran in two tries to threaten an upset.

But Stoke retained a foothold in the contest thanks to Simon Price going over from a spell of concerted pressure.

Sam Christmas kicked two penalties soon after the restart as Stoke limbered up for their excellent second-half comeback.

Wow look at this!!!

Hylands Ltd & Panasonic Store

View details

Print voucher

8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!

Terms: 8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!

Contact: 01782 342609

Valid until: Saturday, June 01 2013

And it was Christmas enjoying a gift-wrapped try to further dent their arrears after Tom Hughes and Rich Brown had broken upfield.

Stoke continued to master the elements as Christmas kicked a penalty and converted a try to see his side home.

But not before the icing on the cake was provided by Hughes seizing on a loose ball and popping over a drop goal for good measure.

NEWCASTLE remain top of Midlands Three West (North) – despite a shock 32-6 trouncing at Bloxwich.

They briefly enjoyed an early lead thanks to a couple of Ash Martin penalties, but that was to be the end of their scoring for the day.

Bloxwich adapted better to the wet conditions and slippery hands in the Newcastle ranks accounted for at least one of the home side's five tries.

Newcastle were camped in the opposition half for a sustained spell in the second period, but it was Bloxwich finishing the stronger with two late tries to confirm their superiority.

ECCLESHALL recorded only their second win of the season after seeing off high-flying Edwardians 28-14 in Midlands Three West (North).

James Denning got the ball rolling by out-pacing the visiting defence to score the first of four tries.

Edwardians appeared to be imposing their class when striking back for an 14-8 advantage.

But that lead was cut to 14-13 by half-time after hooker Simon Carr was on hand at the rear of a maul to touch down when skipper Nick Hulse had been held up.

Flanker Tom O'Mara crossed for Eccleshall's third try following a powerful break by centre Chris Whalley.

And then the prospect of a fourth try and a bonus point drove the home side goalwards again for Whalley to evade two tacklers before Denning went over for his second score of the day.