STOW-on-the-Wold's mixed start to the campaign continued as a much-changed line up suffered a heavy 57-3 defeat at Windsor on Saturday.

The early signs were good as Stow managed to keep a good shape to defend their line well but as the home side's back division gathered momentum, the danger increased.

There was an early opportunity for the visitors but Josh Pearson's crafty interception in his own half was thwarted just short of the line and and turnover ball was ultimately cleared.

Stow did take the lead with a penalty from Jake Collett but the joy was short-lived when a kick into touch was missed and the ball was run back with a try in the corner.

As the half went on, Stow’s possession started to dwindle with Windsor running in two further tries, the latter being converted. At the break the hosts led 17 -3.

And the start of the second half was something of a disaster pretty much from the off as Windsor broke out and with tackles being missed, scored their bonus point try quickly followed by three more all from runs from inside their own half.

Stow rallied and managed a good period of play but simply could not find a way to breach a stubborn rearguard. As legs tired the hosts ran in another three tries to leave Stow well beaten but to the young side's credit, they did not wave the white flag and kept battling until the end.

The result left Stow eighth out of 12 teams in Southern Counties North with three wins and three defeats from six matches heading into Saturday's home clash with third-placed Thatcham.

n Shipston Rugby Club has started three contact rugby squads for girls.

The under-13, under-15 and under-18 teams train for an hour on Sundays from noon and Wednesday evenings from 6pm at Mayo Road.

The squads are filled with players from novice up to county ability with newcomers welcomed.

Pictured are four of the girls attending a Warwickshire county under-15 trial.