STAMFORD School took the derby honours in a match that went to the wire at Uppingham.

The hosts went ahead in the first period having pinned Stamford back in their 22 and pounced on a mistake to make it 7-0 at the break.

Relentless Stamford pressure finally told after a series of pick and go movements and number eight Cole crashed over.

Uppingham kicked a penalty to regain the lead but Stamford dominated the breakdown and a series of lin outs resulted in Jeremy Cunnew going over in the corner.

The pace was tremendous and with seconds remaining an Uppingham saw them put the ball into the corner and apply pressure but prop Carl Downer stole possession and zig-zagged on the short side before going over to seal a 17-10 victory.

Coach and school director of sport David Laventure said: “It was another cracking encounter with both sides giving their all. It was a great atmosphere and a fabulous advert for schoolboy sport. The physicality and intensity on display from both sides was most impressive. Our guys showed great character to fight back.”

Stamford U15..................................12 Syston U15........................................7

STAMFORD spent the opening ten minutes in the opposition 22 and finally scored in the corner through Alex Arch, who then missed the conversion by a matter of inches.

Despite their dominance Stamford could not add to the score before the break.

The pressure continued in the second period but Syston scored and converted a breakaway try to lead.

Another period of pressure saw Stamford win a penalty in front of the posts but rather than kick the three points they opted to drive and Alex Millar went over with Arch converting to seal a deserved win.

Squad: Alex Arch, Justin Bland, Frazer Collett, Charlie Dickinson, Sam Dickinson, Izaac Grimoldby, Patrick Hynes, Edward Lindley, Tom Malloy, Callum McDonnell, Alex Millar, Jake Moss, Lewis Nettleton, Ryan Orchard, Tom Pritchard, Guy Sinker, Harry Treanor, Dan Wiggin, Toby Wilkinson