STAFFORD XV vs. BURNTWOOD XV. Pre-Season Friendly. 16th August 2014.

Stafford 19 – Burntwood 0

Stafford warmed up for the new season with a home fixture against a travelling Burntwood team. The game was played over three periods, two of twenty minute periods and one of thirty minutes, to give both sides the opportunity to cycle through potential team line up options.
Burntwood domination in the first period saw them firmly camped deep in the Stafford half. A solid home side defence held out against a series of attacks and eventually the visitors had to settle for a penalty which sailed just wide of the mark, leaving them empty handed despite producing all the hard work.

The second period started with a more attacking Stafford display as they carved their way up the pitch. It was the visitors turn to defend and they blunted the edge of a series of promising moves. Sustained pressure proved to be too much and a Tim Woolman offload allowed Mark Bisset to cross the line for the first try of the game, Callum Heath converting to maximise the points.

The third period was all change again as Burntwood restarted at a ferocious pace nearly scoring within the opening minutes. A solid defence once again absorbed the pressure and the visitors couldn’t find the finishing move. Stafford took control of the game from this point, Angus Lennon powering through the opposition to score the second try, with Matty Walklate adding the conversion. The home sides continuing barrage of the Burntwood defence allowed Callum Heath to breakaway for the third try of the afternoon. Stafford could have added to the points coming close on numerous occasions, but a tenacious and resilient defence kept battling to the end denying any further points.

It looks to be an interesting season ahead for all of the Stafford senior teams. The young talent breaking through from the Colts combining with the more established players promises a bright future. However all teams play in demanding leagues crammed full of competitive clubs also looking to establish early season dominance.