Heat hampers Stafford Women performance at Amber Valley

The day started and remained very hot at Amber Valley Rugby Club, where Stafford fielded a strong, forward heavy squad but were competing with very strong and fast backs dominating the game for Amber Valley from the start.
In this pre-season game Stafford were keen to try some new combinations before the league begins on 17th September.
Amber Valley, started off strong but Stafford held them off from scoring & regained possession following a forward pass by Amber Valley. A penalty against Stafford in front of the posts was well kicked & the score was 3-0 in the first quarter. (4 x 15 minute quarters played due to high temperatures).
Penalty to Stafford but then an injury to Amber Valley paused the game, and another scrum was awarded.
Despite Stafford dominating many of the scrums several were wheeled due to pushing too far & the opposition made the most of these. An attempt to score was held up well by Stafford but then Amber Valley pushed through with a try despite hard fought defence leading to the Half time score of 8-0.
The second half started strong with some fresh legs coming on for Stafford however Amber Valley got one of their fast backs to push through for another try which was converted well. 15-0
Stafford gave away a penalty for not rolling away in the oppositions 22 & they successfully kicked a penalty 18-0
The blazing sun belted down on another try by Amber Valley’s fly-half which was again converted. 25-0
A good run from Aimee Atherton got Stafford out of the danger zone again but once more the number 10 came scorching back for another converted try 32-0 & the match was wound up with another fast try down the touch line – final score 39-0
Forward of the match – Lauren Maxwell
Back of the match – Cath Anthony
Mergoat Award – Holly Howitt