STOW put in a determined display against Buckingham but slipped to a 21-14 home defeat in South West Division Southern Counties North.

The early pressure came from the visitors but Stow defended soundly.

Stow grew into the game and a botched clearance from Buckingham was pounced on by Jeremy Darley for the opening score. Nick Cafearo adding the extras.

Stow scored a second try shortly after when James Holmes hacked the ball downfield before winning the race for the line and leaving Cafearo with an easy conversion.

Stow led by 14 points at the break.

Buckingham hit back after half time when a poor clearance left the visitors with a lineout 15 meters out which they secured and drove over for a converted try.

Another Buckingham lineout in the Stow 22 was driven over and converted to level the scores.

The visitors had their tails up and turned over possession from another Stow lineout, which their forwards drove over and converted.

Stow will look to bounce back when they travel to Drifters on Saturday (3pm start).