Stratford U-14- 24, Rugby Lions 24

FOLLOWING last season's defeat at Rugby against one of the area's top sides in this age group, Stratford played some of their best rugby so far this season to record a well deserved draw.

They were in many ways unlucky not to run out winners.

From the very first kick kick Stratford surged into the Rugby half, won a series of fiercely contested rucks and immediately showed their intent as the ball was played through half a dozen phases of play.

Rugby, clearly knocked out of their stride, found it hard to cope with this onslaught and, when Phil Emerson burst through from the 22 to score on his debut game for the club, Stratford took a well deserved lead.

Stratford pressure continued. Ball was won from all phases - scrum, loose and line-out and, after slick passing from the backs, several half breaks from Jack Young and Josh Noble, the ball was picked up by Sam Vos who cut inside and only just failed to make the line.

Moments later, after another great forward charge led by Charles Dickson and supported by Pete Robbins, Vos again surged forward this time keeping his feet and powering through under the posts.

Jones converted and Stratford took a well deserved 12-point lead.

Rugby followed with a spell of good ball retention and were able to move the ball across the backs to the right wing who made good ground to score a try.

An excellent conversion put Rugby right back in the game at 12 - 7.

Stratford responded immediately and after intense pressure, rugby conceded a scrum within ten metres of their line.

With everyone expecting a 'pick up and go' from the back of the Strat-ford scrum, Vos didn't disappoint and, despite desperate efforts from the Rugby defence, drove over for another try.

As half time approached, Stratford conceded a line-out on the Rugby ten-metre line. Quick ball along the line and superb pace from their left wing and they were back in the game with another converted try.

Starting the second half with a five-point lead Stratford knew they would have to defend solidly in the early stages. Despite repeated Rugby attacks, solid tackling from Connor Smith and Tom Haighton, made sure that the defence would not falter.

Moments later, though, a lapse in concentration and poor defence form an attacking scrum allowed Rugby to go over for an easy score.

Showing enormous character Stratford broke back into the Rugby half, where good line-out ball from Robbins was won by Chris Helps and strong running from the backs forced Rugby to concede a penalty.

Quick ball to Phil Emerson gave him the chance of breaking through and, as the tackles came in, a final lunge for the line, gave Emerson his second try.

As passions grew, play swung from one end to the other. Stratford desperate for the try which would surely have sealed the match, with Rugby straining for an opening to keep the game alive.

Finally, after a series of punishing scrums close to the line, Rugby drove over to level the scores.