STOW-on-the-Wold are just one point off the top of Southern Counties North after a 22-11 home win over Marlow.

They returned to winning ways in a hard-fought clash but defended strongly early on against the wind.

Marlow could only muster a penalty for offside and although Stow took time to settle, their tackle count was high.

They drew level with Nick Cafearo’s penalty for offside before he added a second before the break.

The second-half saw Stow take over but the visitors held firm until a quick penalty saw the ball moved on for Geoff Flather to score by the posts with Cafearo converting.

Stow went further ahead with another Cafearo penalty but they then went to sleep for 15 minutes.

Marlow hit back with a drop goal before a neat chip was collected by the wing to score in the corner.

They had a try disallowed and Cafearo sealed Stow’s win with two late penalties. Stow visit Milton Keynes on Saturday.