READING Abbey extended their lead at the top of Southern Counties North to four points with a 34-25 victory at Stow-on-theWold.

The visitors made a dream start when wing Charlie Gingell collected Tom Waterhouse’s grubber kick to cross the whitewash after just two minutes.

Fellow wing Dylan Baptista could have extended the lead, but it was Stow who scored the next points, second row Nick Cafearo landing a penalty.

However, Abbey were soon further ahead as scrum-half Will Bevan collected a bouncing ball to go over before Waterhouse added the extras.

Things got even better for the visitors at the end of the first quarter with Baptista showing his strength to dot down in the right-hand corner as his side moved 17-3 in front.

Stow-on-the-Wold hit back, though, and were the better side for the remainder of the half.

Replacement forward Jeremy Darley drove over for a converted score, and another Cafaero penalty cut the gap to 17-13 at the interval.

Abbey got their try bonus-point just four minutes into the second half, however, as Bevan’s clever inside pass to Sam Hallett (pictured) allowed the second row to embark on an unstoppable 20-yard charge which Waterhouse converted.

Within two minutes Abbey went further ahead, scoring the outstanding try of the afternoon. Waterhouse chipped the ball clear in his own 22, and Dampies and Gingell exchanged passes in a thrilling attack down the left wing before the former sprinted clear to score a brilliant try under the posts. Waterhouse added the extras and Abbey looked comfortably ahead at 31-13.

Yet just four minutes after this Stow’s James Holmes burst through some suspect defence to score a try in the left corner, Cafearo converting.

A 35-metre Waterhouse penalty pushed the lead to 34-20, but replacement Haydn Elsdale scored for the hosts with nine minutes remaining,

However, Abbey held their nerve to hang on for the victory which keeps their championship charge well and truly alive.

Reading Abbey host Thatcham in a Berkshire derby next Saturday, February 13.