Dunstablians too strong for Stockwood Park in third derby of season

Dunstablians have now won two of the encounters, but there is a fourth one to come this Saturday in the quarter-finals of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup at Bidwell Park.

With Stockwood sitting fourth and their rivals fifth in the National League, Midlands 3 East (South) division, there was plenty at stake.

But the Dunstablians pack dominated at scrum time, leading to their first try after only 90 seconds when flanker Rhys Thomas went over, and Zach Bourne converted.

Stockwood responded when scrum-half Frank Daly ghosted through the ruck for a try. But Dunstablians soon gained the upper hand again and built a lead of 21-5 by the interval.

Returning centre Shabba Zwazanewako powered through from a scrum outside the Stockwood 22 to score a try that was converted by Mikey Morris. And five minutes later, hooker Dave Tuffen added another try, which was again converted by Morris.

Dunstablians failed to add to their tally in the second half, but their pack continued to boss the game.

With the wind at their backs, Stockwood came more into it, with the elusive running of full-back Rob Jack proving a constant danger, and they bagged a consolation try late on when lock forward Jack Wharton drove over and Brandon Lewsey converted.

In a clash between the two clubs’ second strings, Stockwood won 21-3, while Stockwood Ladies also enjoyed success, beating Royston Ladies 17-5 after tries from Sophie Maddock (2) and Daisy Casemore.