STRATFORD-upon-Avon RFC’s five-game winning came to an end following a 33-14 defeat against title challengers Stow-on-the-Wold.
Charlie Powell and Tom Stanley both touched down for the home side in the first half before Stow ran away with the contest in the second period at Pearcecroft.
And the result means Stratford sit seventh in the Regional 2 Midlands West table.
The home side made the perfect start, winning a penalty from kick-off, before Nathan Geekie’s well-placed grubber kick found the hands of Powell who dotted down after just three minutes and Dan Whitby confidently converted.
However, Stow responded with two converted tries of their own to turn the game in their favour before Stratford levelled the match when captain Stanley went over from a driving lineout and Whitby converted from the touchline.
With the game level at 14-apiece at the break, the game remained all square for the next 25 minutes despite promising breaks from Powell and Whitby.
The visitors eventually took control and scored three quickfire tries to take the game out of Stratford’s reach as the home side ended the year with a defeat.
Stratford are next in action away at Moseley Oak on Friday, January 5 at Billesley Common.
