OLD YARDLEIANS 1st XV vs STAFFORD 1st XV. 23rd JANUARY 2016.

Old Yardleians 9 – 10 Stafford

Stafford travelled to Tilehouse Lane for the return league fixture of the season against Old Yardleians. The travelling county side team were looking to avenge the defeat that they suffered in the home fixture last October. Both teams were running neck and neck in the league with only two points separating them and both having taken five wins out of twelve games.

The opening period of the encounter saw an early penalty for Yardleians grab the lead which was almost immediately cancelled by the accurate boot of Rich Martin. The game became very disjointed as both teams made errors and tried to respond to the referees whistle, the captains being called to conference to the enforce the requirements of the afternoon. The home side adapted more quickly and a period of sustained pressure forced Stafford back into defence deep in their own half. The county town side played tenacious rugby in repelling the Yardleians assault and their fight paid dividends as a charging Tom Hamplett broke away with a stolen ball. This released the Stafford backs to play havoc with their opposite numbers, creating space and a flying Rhys Williams turned on the gas to run the ball in from the half way line for the try, Dean Ainger adding the conversion. Yardleians closed the half with a second penalty to end what had been a physical first forty minutes. Stafford went into half time leading 6 – 10 in an energy sapping encounter.

Old Yardleians opened the second half the same as the first with an early penalty to cut the lead to one point. The game descended into a very scrappy encounter with the referee being called into action time after time. Neither side could find an advantage but with 11 minutes left on the clock Stafford were reduced to 14 men with the first yellow card of the game. A subsequent Yardleians penalty could have taken the lead but the ball flew wide of the posts, but with Stafford light in the scrum it looked like being a matter of time before the home side snatched the victory. The spirit in the Stafford squad was apparent as they defended valiantly and their resilience was rewarded when Yardleians were penalised and reduced to 14 men to even up the numbers on the pitch. With a few minutes to go Stafford were back up to full strength and the home side seemed to have missed their opportunity. In a final twist the referee awarded a penalty to Yardleians, but the distance proved a yard too long for a great home side kick. As referees whistle sounded a jubilant Stafford came away with the points and sixth position in the league.