STRATFORD-upon-Avon RFC’s season ended in disappointment with the club relegated following a 46-24 defeat against rivals Shipston-on-Stour in a play-off.
The club finished the Regional 2 Midlands West season in 11th place which set up a relegation play-off against 10th-placed Shipston at Mayo Road.
And Stratford suffered defeat in the play-off tie with the club likely to play in the Counties 1 West Midlands (South) division next season.
Stratford dominated proceedings early on in the crunch clash only for Shipston to score the game’s first try from a powerful run through the middle.
However, Stratford responded when Jo Cook collected Charlie Billings’ pass and dotted down as Dan Whitby added the extras.
And the visitors took a narrow three-point lead when Whitby kicked a penalty but could not turn their possession into further points.
Shipston reclaimed the lead before the break as the home side ran in two tries in quick succession to stun the visitors and leave Stratford trailing by nine points at the interval.
Stratford closed the gap to two points early in the second half when Gus Whiteman touched down and Whitby converted.
However, Shipston ran riot in the middle of the half as the home side scored 27 unanswered points to take the game away from Stratford.
A consolation try from Zak Amond, who powered over in the corner, and a conversion from Gwil Davis reduced the deficit for the visitors but proved too little too late.
