Shipston II 18pts,

Old Laurentians 15

HAVING hastily re-arranged a fixture late Friday night after original opponents Cove-ntry Welsh failed to find 15 men, Shipston played host to a strong OL's third team.

The visitors took control with possession and territorial advantage for the first 20 minutes. Quick ball from a forward drive and poor cover from the Shipston back row led to an overlap leading to a try for the visitors.

A repeat move five minutes later again proved costly for the home side.

This score provided the home side with the impetus they needed. A change in line-out strategy gave the Shipston three quarters more space.

Old Laurentians found themselves stretched and killed the ball. Three points followed from Mick Pyne's boot.

Shipston's confidence grew allowing No 8 Jon Cowper to surge forward, stopped just short of the line and a simple pop to hooker Rob Fox who duly scored. This was converted.

The visitors came back strongly but couldn't break through until a lapse in concentration let their captain crash through from a ten-yard penalty.

Three points followed through the boot after OL's were caught offside.

Shipston sealed the game with the best move of the game as winger Andy Flood cleverly beat his man and raced to score under the posts for a converted try.

Shipston finished the game the stronger side having made hard work of it early on.