READING Abbey survived a nerve-shredding final few minutes to record a first victory of the Southern Counties North season, running out 21-15 winners at home to Stow-on-the-Wold.

The visitors took the lead courtesy of a Dan Adams penalty – he had previously missed two other opportunities – but Abbey levelled on 17 minutes when Sol Robinson-Wallis struck one of his own after Stow centre Ted Holmes was yellow carded for a high tackle.

Abbey fell behind again after trying to run the ball from their own try line, a turnover allowing wing Freddie Roberts to dot down, but they reduced the deficit to two points by the interval when Wallis-Robinson landed another penalty.

The home side started the second half well and turned their dominance into points when Ed House went over for a converted try.

A third Wallis-Robinson penalty extended the lead to 16-8 on 48 minutes, only for a fine finish from Billy Maude to give Stow their second try.

Jacob Collett, having taken over the kicking duties, added the extras to make it a one-point game.

A key moment arrived 12 minutes from time when Holmes received a second yellow card and in turn a red, and Abbey took full advantage of their numerical advantage when replacement Josh Stitt went over at the back of a powerful rolling maul.

Wallis-Robinson's attempted conversion bounced back off the cross-bar, but despite there being nine minutes of injury-time, Abbey held on for a vital win.

The victory should work wonders for Abbey’s morale.

The backs are generally inexperienced, and the team wisely relied on the forwards to launch the bulk of the attacks.

The pack certainly delivered the goods, and the backs will grow in confidence if this continues.

Pick-and-drive moves may not provide the spectator with the most memorable rugby, but league points are vital for Abbey at the moment.

This was a precious victory for the Rosehill side and a deserved success for Luke Harding and his coaching team.

The return from injury of second row Treacle Knights was important, and with the likelihood of skipper Will Bevan being fit next Saturday, Abbey will hope to continue their revival at Wallingford.