Stafford 1st XV welcomed newly promoted Shrewsbury to the cathedral for an eagerly anticipated autumn encounter. Both teams were looking for their first win of the season, but although strengthened the Stafford XV still found themselves short in key areas for the third week running.

Stafford pressure, from the kick off, forced Shrewsbury into conceding an early penalty and a Rich Martin boot pushed the ball through the posts to give the home side a deserved lead. A second penalty could have extended the lead, but it flew marginally wide and with their first real attack of the half the visitors grabbed a penalty of their own to level the scores. Shrewsbury continued to take their chances and battered their way through the Stafford defence to force a converted try and establish the lead. A third penalty could have reeled the scores closer back together for the home side, but the posts remained elusive. Stafford went into half time trailing by 3 – 10, having had the majority of the possession, played the best of the rugby, but facing an opposition who had made the best of the opportunities presented to them.

In reversal of the first half, Shrewsbury exerted the early pressure to extend their lead through a penalty. As Stafford settled, they managed to turn the table on the visitors and a subsequent penalty saw Rich Martin putting points on the board for the home side. Consistent Stafford play continued to test the Shrewsbury XV and a well worked overlap saw the first home side try of the afternoon as Angus Lennon went across the line. With only two points separating the teams the scores started to reflect the play. Shrewsbury again made the most of their opportunities and two rapid tries levered open a sizeable lead. Stafford fought their way back into the game, allowing Dave Wareham to cross the line for the second home side try, Rich Martin adding the conversion. Shrewsbury had the best of the final quarter with a penalty and a converted try finishing off a successful afternoon for the Shropshire men.