STRATFORD-upon-Avon RFC slipped to a 32-22 defeat away at Luctonians II after the visitors had mounted a comeback from 10 points behind.
Tries from Dan Whitby, Jonny Smith, Tom Stanley and Michael Dawes ensured Stratford came away from Mortimer Park with a bonus point.
However, Luctonians kicked a late penalty to deny the away side a further bonus point.
Luctonians crossed for an early try to take the lead before Whitby went over from close range and converted his own try to put Stratford ahead.
However, the home side reclaimed the lead following a try from a scrum.
The lead changed hands again as Stratford captain Smith spotted a gap to the right of the posts and dove over the line.
Luctonians then crossed for two quickfire tries to take a 10-point lead heading into the break.
Stratford reduced the deficit after the interval as Stanley crashed over following a three-man carry.
And the visitors levelled the game when Dawes powered over in the corner after Luctonians conceded a succession of penalties.
However, a favourable bounce of the ball from an initial stray Stratford pass allowed the home side to run in a try under the posts.
And Luctonians denied the visitors a second bonus point with a penalty at the death from in front of the posts.
Stratford are next in action against Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday, March 7 with kick-off at 3pm at Pearcecroft.
