STOW-on-the-Wold Rugby Club could only manage a losing bonus point from a below-par display at High Wycombe.

The second-placed side lost 24-19 in Southern Counties North as the home forwards dominated the scrums and line-outs.

Stow will look to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season at home to third-placed Marlow on Saturday.

They scored first at Wycombe as quick ball went down the back-line and James Holmes scored in the corner.

Nick Cafearo missed the conversion but Wycombe hit back after a chip over the defence and fortunate bounce.

Cafearo edged Stow ahead with a penalty but, after a series of penalties and scrums, Wycombe converted a penalty try.

Stow looked like they could cause problems but rarely had the ball. However, they regained the lead when Chris Powesland broke from his own half and the ball was recycled for George Roddan to score in the corner.

Cafearo’s second penalty on the stroke of half-time left Stow 16-12 up.

But the second-half began badly when two Stow players tried to catch the ball and Wycombe stole a line-out to stroll in under the posts for a converted try.

Cafearo levelled with his third penalty but Stow cracked under pressure, leaking a try in the corner.

A minor dust-up saw two home replacements charge on to the field to join in and both were sent off. However, the hosts held out to deservedly take the points.

Chipping Norton crashed 42-17 at Chesham in the Berks/ Bucks and Oxon Premier Division and are second from bottom after losing their first four games. Shipston-on-Stour host Pershore on Saturday after falling 50-21 at Old Wheatleyans in Midlands Three West (South).