SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

ALCHESTER went seven points clear of the relegation zone after battling to a 13-9 home victory over Stow-on-the-Wold.

Matt Flegg scored the game’s only try after Alchester made a strong start.

Tom Miles converted this and a simply penalty from in front of the posts to give Alchester a 10-0 lead at half-time.

Stow hit back in the second half with three penalties, the latter two coming over Matt Beckley and then Robin Tyreman had been sin-binned for handling in the ruck.

It was 10-9 with ten minutes to go and Stow narrowly missed a penalty to take the lead.

But with time running out, Miles landed a 30-metre drop goal to seal victory.