STRATFORD-upon-Avon RFC lost 48-19 at home to title-chasing Silhillians as the hosts suffered their first defeat since the turn of the year.
Charlie Powell dotted down twice for the home side while Sam James also crossed for a try as Silhillians ran away with the game in the final quarter at Pearcecroft.
The result means Stratford sit seventh in the Regional 2 Midlands West table.
Stratford missed an early penalty attempt to take the lead before the visitors crossed for the game’s first try out wide.
And the home side missed another opportunity to put points on the board soon after following a knock-on close to the try line.
Silhillians kicked two penalties to stretch their lead to 13 points before dotting down a second converted try in the left corner with the last play of the half.
Facing a 20-point deficit at the break, Stratford hit back at the start of the second period when Powell crossed for his first try of the game after good work from Bron Koziel with Dan Whitby converting.
However, the away side responded with another converted try to restore their 20-point advantage before Stratford lost full back Jo Cook to the sin bin for an alleged deliberate trip.
Silhillians made the most of the extra man to score two more tries and take the game out of Stratford’s reach.
The home side scored their second try straight from the restart when Powell sent James in under the posts before Cook put his body on the line at the other end to prevent another Silhillians try.
And Powell dotted down his second try of the game after good work from Nath Geekie following sustained pressure on the Silhillians line before the visitors completed the scoring with a try in the corner.
Stratford are next in action away at Shipston on Stour on Saturday, February 3 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Mayo Road.
