Stockwood Park prevail over Rugby St Andrews

A close encounter saw Stockwood Park beat Rugby St Andrews 17-6 in Midlands Three East South on Saturday, but the margin of their victory could have been even bigger as they avenged November’s narrow 22-21 defeat.

Park started the quicker as Casima Abaka touched down on four minutes after good build-up play had released him into space to run in out wide, although strong winds prevented James Hankey from converting.

Rugby replied with a drop-goal before slick hands which saw Park sweep right then left as Nick Neubert finished off a fine passage of play with Hankey converting.

However, the visitors hit back with a penalty before the break as the Luton side led 12-6 at half time.

The second half was much tighter as Stockwood had just an unconverted Kieran Logan try to show from several attempts to cross St Andrews’ line.

An off-the-ball exchange, meanwhile, resulted in Justin Harkin having to leave the field early on with a broken nose.

St Andrews’ centre was dismissed for clearly throwing punches, while Joe Cullen followed him for an early bath for the same offence as he reacted to stamping by his opposite number.

A good performance by hooker Trevor Fowler was then marred as he was sent off late on.

This weekend Park head to Daventry.