Match Report: Southwold 43 – 19 Stowmarket

Southwold produced a disciplined and assured performance on The Common to secure a well-earned 30–15 victory over a determined Stowmarket side.

Wold started with real intent, moving the ball well and controlling territory in the opening exchanges. The early pressure was rewarded when scrum-half Nick Saunders opened the scoring, spotting a gap and finishing smartly to give the home side the lead.

Southwold continued to build momentum and extended their advantage midway through the half when Adam Smith finished off a well-worked attacking move to cross for the second try of the afternoon. Saunders then struck again soon after, showing sharp support play to grab his second and put Wold firmly in control.

Stowmarket responded just before the break with a try of their own to keep themselves in the contest, but Southwold went into half-time with a deserved advantage.

The second half proved more of a battle as Stowmarket looked to gain momentum, but Southwold’s defensive organisation held firm. Man of the Match Tom Gair and Captain Sherard Block led the way in the forwards, putting in strong defensive shifts and carrying hard to keep Wold on the front foot.

The breakthrough came when Gavin Starks found space and powered through to extend the lead and restore control for the home side. Stowmarket continued to compete and were rewarded with another score, but Southwold had the final say.

In the closing stages Tom Keeble produced two excellent finishes, crossing twice late on to seal the victory and ensure the result reflected the home side’s control for much of the match.

Nick Saunders was influential throughout, directing play superbly from scrum-half and linking forwards and backs to keep the tempo high.

A composed and hard-working team performance in front of the home support, built on solid defence, intelligent game management and clinical finishing when opportunities arose.

Arn the Wold!