IT was a thrilling finish from Stow-on-the-Wold as they ended Newent's unbeaten start to the 2023/24 season on Saturday with a try deep into overtime.

Stow’s 18-year-old winger Cam Tyler ran the length of the pitch to win the game with a last play try which meant Newent tasted defeat in the league for the first time since losing at Matson exactly a year ago.

Newent started the game brightly. Tom Webb was off target with a penalty goal attempt but soon made amends with a conversion from the touchline after Nathan Brooks crossed in the left-hand corner to complete a move sparked when Newent turned over a loose ball in the Stow 22.

Those in attendance might have thought the league leaders would run away with the game after a fast start, but three tries in a blistering ten-minute spell from Stow turned the game on it's head.

The first came from a scrum 20m out, with the ball being recycled out wide for Ollie Clements to finish well in the corner wide on the right. That the fly half was able to convert his try from the touchline, given the strength of the wind he was kicking into, was a minor miracle.

Newent went down to 14 following a yellow card and Stow’s big ball carriers were wreaking havoc and another charge up the middle presented winger Will Debenham with a run in under the posts for their second try, converted by Ollie Clements.

Minutes later a third try arrived from a tap penalty in Newent’s 22. The ball was recycled quickly to release full back Gus Hayward for a finish in the left-hand corner. Clements’ conversion was off target, but the Corns had established a 19-7 lead.

Nathan Brooks came off his wing on a good line to touch down his second try of the game to get the visitors back into the game.

And they were level with 10 minutes to play when a dangerous tackle in a promising attacking position was rewarded with a penalty try and yellow card to Stow's Gus Hayward.

At 19-19, it looked as if the game would be a draw but there was tie for a special winning moment with the final play of the game.

Quick ball found right wing Tyler in a bit of space and that was all he needed to speed away and elude several would be tacklers en route to touching down behind Newent’s posts for the match-winning try.