This was a season defining must win game for Towcestrians in amongst a congested cup fixture list, and it made for a busy and stressful week for the Towcestrians, firstly taking the decision to rest 14 starters from last weeks league victory for wednesday evenings Alliance Cup Semi-Final away at Daventry, however, it was a decision well founded as the over achieving Towcestrians second team squad showed their class and demonstrated that they were more than up to the task, despatching Daventry 60 - 3 putting Tows in the finals of both the Alliance Cup and the Lewis Shield to be played over the next two wednesdays, and certainly some players putting their hands up for selection for the remaining league games and the upcoming finals at Franklins Gardens.

Going into this game level on points with Longton, joint fourth from bottom and three going down, a loss would have given the teams below hope and made next weeks game away at Bedford Athletic unloseable, but it didn't come to that as Tows showed their class and determination right from the start against a large a bruising Longton pack.

Tows early possession earned them a penalty, slotted by Matt Yuill, only to concede a try soon afterwards, the home sides burly back rumbling over from a line out drive, Tows were on their game and focused on the job at hand, defending aggressively and taking opportunities, a Craig Holton break led to Matt Bodily going over to get Tows in front and Matt Yuill followed with a second penalty for Tows to lead 7 - 11.

Played out on a bone hard pitch in glorious sunshine,conditions suiting Tows fast paced rugby, prop Peter Gowler went over for Tows second try raised a cheer from the travelling Tows supporters nearly as loud as those coming from the Brittania Stadium next door as Stoke scored against Liverpool, Yuill converting from the touchline to extend the lead, a Jamie Warr quickly taken penalty released Will Dunkley who was caught just short of the posts by one of Longtons three south sea islanders, but Tows soon crossed again, Jamie Warr scoring following a line out close to the line, Yuill again converting from the touchline,

Longton enjoyed their best period of the game retaining possession and asking questions but Tows were resolute in defence and then looked to turn the screw, dominating the last 15 minutes looking for the bonus point 4th try, but were unable to extend their lead.

News of Sandbach's loss ensured Tows league status for next season and a rather jolly bus ride home, and in a congested league, victory catapulted Tows up to 7th place with the away trip to Bedford Athletic next saturday to close the season out.

Director of Rugby Robbie George was delighted with the win and the efforts this season "it was terrific all round performance today, just what we have been looking for, we were able to dominate for long periods and put them under pressure when they had the ball - overall this season has brought many new challenges , we adjusted quickly at the start of the season but the fixture list was always going to be a challenge after christmas, playing many of the top teams away, but overall we've competed well, learned and will be better next season"

Captain, Zac Osborne was relieved to get the victory needed "its a relief knowing we're staying at this level because I know we're more than capable, I couldn't be more proud of the boys, defying what most people thought would be a single season at this level, and we're excited for next season, but this season isn't over by a long way, the first and second team are combining for the Lewis Shield final this wednesday at the Gardens, we have our final League game away on Saturday and then the Alliance Cup final the following wednesday, so we've got lots to play for and we want to turn a good season into a great one"

Tows play in the Lewis Shield final this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm and again on Wednesday the 19th April, 7.30pm in the Alliance Cup final both at Franklins Gardens.