TELFORD HORNETS 1ST XV vs STAFFORD 1ST XV. 3RD FEBRUARY 2018. LEAGUE MATCH.

Telford 3 – 8 Stafford

Stafford set their sights on the Wrekin and travelled to Telford for a return fixture against the Hornets. The second and third placed league positions made this an important tie for the teams in their individual bids to secure promotion. A persistent drizzle had created a slippery surface and produced difficult playing conditions for both sides.

Stafford started strongly with several well-placed kicks putting the home side under early pressure. As Telford scrambled to organise their defence a charging Callum Jones ripped through the Shropshire XV, Stu Lewis carried for the extra yards and Olly Greensill crossed the line for a try. The visitors continued to find success with their kick and chase game to keep up the pressure but ferocious tackling from both teams saw several interruptions as players received running repairs. Telford couldn’t find room to breathe as they were given no time on the ball. The momentum swung when a Stafford penalty was reversed and a subsequent succession of penalties assisted Telford in clawing through sodden territory until they were in sight of the Stafford line. This was as close as the home side could get as a brutal defence met the swarming attack. As the half began to expire Stafford produced one more surge to threaten the opposition line. A scrum taken against the head allowed Dan Smith to rampage and Olly Greensill was a final tackle away from stepping through the defence. Eventually Stafford settled for the penalty and Stelian-Christian Ureche added to the lead. Stafford went into half time leading 0 – 8 but in a match which could still swing either way.

Stafford started the second half strongly and the referees whistle started to help them in their assault on the Telford line. An exhausting series of phases by the forwards eventually saw a pile of bodies crashing across the line but the referee judged it to be held up. A penalty relieved the pressure on the home side and temporarily reduced the visitors to 14 as a yellow card was produced. Telford moved the play down the pitch to secure a penalty and put points on the board to close the gap. With Stafford back up to a full complement on the pitch the teams staggered into what became an incredibly long last quarter. Telford laboured hard through their experienced forwards looking for the equalising score but the Stafford defence contained their tiring assault. Neither side could gain any further advantage and the referees whistle eventually signalled the end of an energy sapping half of rugby.