TAMWORTH 1st XV vs STAFFORD 1st XV. 18TH FEBRUARY 2017. LEAGUE MATCH.

Tamworth 34 – 10 Stafford

Stafford travelled to Tamworth for the second league game of February. Tamworth looked to continue their good run of league form and avenge the forty-two point defeat they suffered earlier in the season.

Stafford started the game with a slight wind behind them. Tamworth signalled their intent for the afternoon with a strong scrum and some punishing carries into the opposition half. The visitors got the first chance at points through a penalty which clipped the posts, refusing to go over. Stafford continued to play some testing rugby, quick thinking by Rich Martin sent a probing kick over the defence which was collected by a flying Will Hamplett for the first try of the afternoon. Tamworth responded through their strong forwards, a scrum followed by a series of pick and drives carried the ball across the line for the equalising score, the conversion taking the lead. The Tamworth forwards built on their success replicating the pick and drive to take the second home side try of the afternoon on the stroke of half time. Stafford went into half time trailing by 14 – 5 against a powerful Tamworth display.

Stafford opened the second half with a period of pressure but two Tamworth penalties added to the lead and disrupted any continuity. The heavy set of home side forwards found more success through the scrum when they rolled the visitors over the line for a push over try. The momentum of the game changed when two yellow cards reduced Tamworth to thirteen on the pitch. Stafford piled on the pressure and got the reward through the second Will Hamplett try of the afternoon to minorly eat into the extensive lead. A third yellow card left the home side with only twelve defenders on the pitch but despite some bright periods, Stafford couldn’t get across the line. A final attack by Tamworth on the eighty-minute mark saw the home side grab a further try and the winning bonus point.