ALEX Stewart hailed his Crowthorne RFC side after they picked up a first BB&O Premier victory against a top-four team with a hard-earned 18-8 triumph at Abingdon on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

And the player-coach now has his eyes set on snatching a position in the top four, with Crows eight points behind their vanquished opponents with eight games remaining.

Despite missing eight of his first-choice side in Oxfordshire, tries from Sam Hitchings, Stuart Laye and James Huckle helped the visitors secure the win.

Fly-half Stewart told the News: “We’re getting better with new lads coming in and we’re stronger. The lads have got plenty of heart and we’re doing really, really well as a squad. I can’t ask any more, I’m a very happy man.

“Our target is to finish fourth. We’re heading towards that and we believe we’re a top four team. That’s the most important thing.”

And Stewart believes his side’s efforts will be rewarded under the leadership of Sam Short – who enjoyed an outstanding game at inside centre.

He gushed: “Sam’s a good captain who keeps the boys on the straight and narrow and I think our target will be hit.

“He’s a fantastic guy who will give you anything. As a captain and a leader he’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet. He’s so easy to work with and you can’t ask for any more. He gives 110 per cent every week.”

Stewart also had praise for the remainder of his side, adding: “The scrum has been working really well and we dominated against Abingdon. It gave the backs a platform.

“I thought the two standout performers were (scrum half) Tom Dawkes and (No. 8) Ade Lovejoy.

“Ade’s been in the front row but with Rick Frost out he stepped up and made a great contribution. Those two guys were absolute quality, along with Will Barham, who called the line-out for the first time.”

Despite Crowthorne currently playing at a temporary home in Arborfield while Broadmoor hospital is redeveloped, Stewart believes the future is bright.

He concluded: “We’re hoping to get to level six (in the future) and that’s where I think these youngsters can go.

“The average age of the team is 24 and to have the knowledge and the belief that have – together with a few old heads – they can get there.

“The world could be their oyster but we’ll have to see if they can take it.”