AFTER the disappointment of losing the London League Division Two North title to Woodford last week, Bishop's Stortford got back in the winning groove against Upper Clapton.

The friendly encounter ended 49-5 in Stortford's favour and saw a promising debut for Taylor at second row.

Playing with the slope in the first half Stortford almost scored in the first minute when Julian Floyd's deft chip only just rolled into touch before the chasing Miller could collect it.

Then the Blues got a shock as Clapton went ahead with a try in the corner after some good aggressive work throughout their team.

That was just the jolt Stortford needed and they hit back straightaway, sending their forwards on the charge against the Clapton fly-half who crumbled regularly.

The rewards for this tactic were first half tries from James Clarke, Adrian Doyle and a brace for John Burton. Skipper Joel Eley converted two of these.

Bishop's ended the half 24-5 ahead but they had lost Owen Sayers with a head injury and were starting to get annoyed at the niggling approach of their opponents.

In the second half, Stortford continued to score regularly but only played well in patches.

Scott Gleed looked powerful going forward and Clapton's defence struggled to cope with the speed of the Stortford attacks.

Further tries came from Eley, Doyle, Nick Miles, Nick Doyle and Floyd. Unfortunately, Eley's kicking let him down or the score could have been far more emphatic.

Next week, Bishop's jump two leagues up when they entertain Tabard in a traditional fixture that is always a tough test.

Other results for the club were: Bishop's Stortford 2nd XV 3 Newmarket 1st XV 83, Bishop's Stortford 3rd XV 66 Hatfield 1st XV 10, Bishop's Stortford 4th XV 55 Upper Clapton 2nd XV 0, Bishop's Stortford 5th XV 73, Hatfield 2nd XV 0.

The Colts fixture was unfortunately cancelled.

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