Stow on the Wold’s first visit to Doric Park came as a result of a level transfer from Regional 2 - Midlands West this season after finishing a creditable 3rd in that league last season. They were 6th in the Severn League before this match with a Won 2 Lost 2 record. Before the game started Trowbridge 1st & 3rd team players and Stow on the Wold and Corsham players came together in an emotional minute's silence to pay tribute to the late Niall Jones who sadly passed away this week. The Trowbridge players also wore black arm bands as a small tribute to a great man who played 1st, 2nd and 3rd team rugby for Trowbridge.

Kyle Oakley and James MacFarlane returned for Trowbridge after missing the trip to Drybrook and skipper Ethan Hutt returned to the bench after being out since the opening match against Gordano. Trowbridge dominated the scrums from the start and Stow did not get into the Trowbridge half until after the first Trowbridge try in the 18th minute. No 8 Rory Murchison forced his way over from a scrum and Tom Weaver converted. In the meantime brother Alex Murchison was stopped just short of the line and left the field injured, not to return, but he did pass a concussion assessment, so he may be available next week. Wing Alex Christopher also crossed in this period but was called back due to a forward pass after crossing wide out.

Immediately from the kick off after the try, Stow attacked. They had been shunted back in the scrums but were well organised in the line outs, despite being the smaller pack. Their pressure at this point resulted in fly half David O’Sullivan (a name from Trowbridge’s past) dummying his way over for a try he converted to make the score 7-7. The play was quite disjointed at this stage with mistakes from both sides and frustration arose resulting in some unsavoury confrontations. The penalty count was too high, and offside lines were not being observed. At one point punches were thrown and referee Euan Black red carded Trowbridge prop Jack Davies and Stow flanker Harry Gaden. Just before the break Rory Murchison crossed again and Weaver converted to allow Trowbridge to go in leading 14-7, but they had the benefit of the elements in the first half.

They emerged with some determination and their forwards gained some territorial advantage at the start of the second half. They increased their lead when Ali Frost crashed through the centre to score a try and Murchison completed a hat trick of tries to earn a bonus point. Weaver converted both tries and the hosts appeared to be safe at this point. However in the last ten minutes Stow centre Archie Hayward intercepted a wayward pass to cross unopposed with full back Oliver Clements converting, before hooker Jacob Collect scored after forward pressure in the last 5 minutes. Panic did not prevail though as the last conversion was missed and Trowbridge remained two scores ahead. Player of the Match sponsored by Plumbase was awarded to Rory Murchison.

Trowbridge dropped to fourth place in the league as a result of Old Centralians improving their points difference at Swindon. Next week they travel to Old Centralians with a coach trip available for supporters who wish to travel.

Head Coach Ali Lund said "The lads were quite frustrated after the loss at Drybrook in the last game and didn't get the chance to play last week as it was a rest week so the lads were certainly excited to go out there and perform and I am very pleased to pick up another bonus point victory. In many ways we made it quite hard for ourselves with a number of unforced errors which stopped much continuity but I am proud of how the lads stuck to the task in hand and we were always confident we could come away with the win after a strong start. We are still in the early stages of the league campaign but we are in a good position as we go in to the next set of matches and we are confident we have the skillset and team spirit to challenge any team in the league on our day".