Ladies Day triumph

What a day we had at Stafford on Sunday!
With both Senior women’s teams in action at home for the first time in the club’s history, as well as the U18 & U16 Roses in National cup matches the day promised a lot and didn’t disappoint.

Stafford Women’s 1st XV were looking to carry on from the fine performance last time out against Dudley KW and didn’t disappoint against todays opposition Old Halesonians. Stafford started the game strong and dominated possession and territory for the opening quarter of an hour but just couldn’t find the final pass to get them over the line. 20 minutes into the half Stafford finally broke the deadlock with Verity Bellingham spotting the gap after some fine build up play and went in under the posts. The conversion followed from Verity and Stafford took the lead 7-0. The game was very evenly balanced with both teams finding their rhythm but it was Stafford who would finish the half stronger, with the in form Lizzie Oxley going over to finish off another fine spell of play from Stafford to lead 12-0 at the break.

The second half stared as the first half finished with Stafford dominating the set piece and possession which quickly saw Lizzie Oxley scoring her second of the match again finishing off another great team effort in the build-up play, 17-0 to Stafford. This seemed to spur Old Hales into action and with some quick feet and nice hands they scored a deserved try closing the gap to 17-5. Stafford didn’t dwell on this and struck back through the impressive Verity Bellingham again with her second of the match 22-5 to Stafford. Old Hales were by no means deterred and after a solid period of pressure went over again for their second score of the afternoon 22-10 to Stafford. Some fresh legs were brought on by Stafford and Ellie Roberts making an instant impact with a massive carry and a huge hit in defence. This re-ignited the fire in the Stafford team and after being camped on Old Hales line, Holly Howitt went over from close range to dot down for try number 5 seeing Stafford extend their lead to 27-10 going into the last few minutes. Cath Anthony was next to score after a fantastic move from a scrum saw her go over in the corner 32-10 to Stafford. With only seconds left on the clock another sweeping move from Stafford saw the outstanding Elizabeth Farmery scored Stafford’s final try 37-10 at full time

Forward of the match – Fiona Friend
Back of the match – Lizzie Oxley
Mergoat – Sophi Kowalewska