KIDDERMINSTER 1st XV vs STAFFORD 1st XV. 26TH NOVEMBER 2016. LEAGUE MATCH.

Kidderminster 38 – 8 Stafford

Stafford took one of the longer journeys of the season as they followed the meandering A449 to face a Kidderminster team having a similar season to the County Town travellers. The teams met both having four wins and four losses and holding the middle positions within the league table.

A positive start by Stafford saw them exerting all of the early pressure. The home side defence absorbed the attacks with the first break out by Kidderminster earning a penalty which sailed through the posts to take the lead. Stafford stuck to their task and with some hard yards ground out a penalty opportunity of their own for Louis Dewsbury to step up and tie the scores. The momentum swung again as the ever dangerous Kidderminster back line created some space to score the first try of the game, which wasn’t converted. The Stafford set piece was starting to dominate and providing a good platform for some attacking rugby. A brutish charge by Sam Harbage smashed a hole in the defence and quick hands released Carl Williams who crossed the line for the equalising try. The teams settled into an evenly matched tussle, with the Stafford forwards gaining the upper hand but all the hard yards being countered by a very sharp set of Kidderminster backs. With half time approaching the game looked to be spiralling into a draw, but a kick and chase was gathered by an alert Kidderminster to snatch a last minute try. Stafford immediately appealed to the referee and linesman but the officials had a brief conference to confirm their decision. Stafford went into half time trailing 13 – 8 but having competed hard in an evenly matched contest.

Stafford came roaring into the second half and in a ten minute war of attrition pinned Kidderminster behind their own line, who responded with an aggressive defence. Stafford came agonisingly close on a couple of occasions but couldn’t quite find their way across a taunting line. The home side defended solidly and eventually secured the ball to clear their lines and leave an exhausted Stafford empty handed for their monumental effort. Kidderminster settled into a period of simple rugby, going through the phases to build momentum which eventually led to them securing their third try of the afternoon. The home side maintained their tightening grasp on the game when they added a penalty for what was building into a sizeable lead. Stafford continued to chase the opportunity to fight their way back into the game, but when a yellow card reduced them to fourteen the home side were given a ten minute period with an extra player. Kidderminster used the advantage to score their fourth try of the afternoon, earning the bonus point, and a penalty added to their tally before Stafford got a full complement back on the pitch. With Stafford playing for pride a series of individual attacks started to find some success as they fought for territory, but the home side stayed composed and smothered out any opportunity. It was left up to Kidderminster to close the game; an excellent running try finished what had been a very frustrating final thirty minutes for the travelling Stafford XV.