STAFFORD 1ST XV vs WILLENHALL 1ST XV. 27TH JANUARY 2018. LEAGUE MATCH.

Stafford 39 – 10 Willenhall

Stafford welcomed a travelling Willenhall to the county ground for the last fixture of January. The visitors came looking for some form to lift them from their eleventh-place league position.

The game started with an early mistake from Stafford which saw the ball squirting loose and the chasing visitors dropping on the ball for the first try of the afternoon. A composed response allowed the home side to march down the pitch stretching a large defence. The visitors competed strongly but solid Stafford passing ripped through the opposition for Louis Dewsbury to cross the line for an equalising try. Stafford continued to dominate and their running game started to cause chaos for Willenhall. The significant territorial advantage ended with an attacking scrum which allowed Dan Smith to smash through the defenders and an unselfish final pass gave Stafford their second as Matty Walklate scored the try, converted by Stelian-Christian Ureche. The fast-paced attacking rugby continued to bring success for the hosts, Callum Hoy the next to cross the line for a try to increase a growing lead. Stafford continued to alternate their attacking plays with a quick drive by the forwards proving too strong for Willenhall and Tom Williams crashing to the floor at the bottom of the heap to take the next try, securing the bonus point. Willenhall briefly rallied executing some close brutal rugby through their forwards but couldn’t unlock the defence. Stafford went into half time leading 22 – 5 and very much in control of the game.

Stafford came flying into the second half and Willenhall had to work hard to compete with the exhausting pace. The visitors absorbed the assault and started to grind out some territorial gains, but an unstoppable run from just inside the half way line by Stelian-Christian Ureche undid all the hard work as Stafford got their next try. Willenhall started to play their best rugby of the afternoon and penalty after penalty lead to Stafford being reduced to fourteen as they incurred a yellow card for cumulative infringements. The visitors took full advantage and scored their second try of the afternoon. Stafford refocused and the pressure was relentless, the visitors repelled several attacks but were unable to stop a crashing charge by Dan Smith who crossed for the sixth try. With Stafford back up to fifteen the game looked to be over as both teams noticeably tired. The Stafford backs had other ideas, stalking their opposite numbers and an ever-alert Brett Corcoran intercepted a pass to tear down the pitch for the final try of the afternoon.