Stafford 1st XV welcomed the league leaders to the Cathedral on a murky November afternoon. The county ground carried healthy pre match optimism, but continuing injuries, temporary absences and an opposition who hadn’t lost a game this season heralded a potential uncomfortable afternoon of rugby for the hosts.

Bridgnorth demonstrated why they were leading the league with two lightning tries early in the game. Stafford fought their way back into the game and a stalwart defence managed to corral the well-practiced Bridgnorth machine. An injury to Dan Mills forced the coaching staff into reshuffling the XV on the pitch and the referee added to the disruption with a yellow card, temporarily leaving a fourteen man team to cope with the voracious visitors. Stafford showed typical grit, determination and heart, tackling everything, scrapping for any possession. They couldn’t prevent a final Bridgnorth try to close the half. Stafford went into the break trailing by 0 -21 but having played some gutsy rugby against a solid outfit.

The second half started with a Bridgnorth try as they took further advantage of the extra man. Stafford dug in to endure the barrage and Bridgnorth had to continue to work hard to gain ground. A second Stafford yellow reduced the home side back down to 14. Tired Cathedral legs pumped hard but couldn’t prevent two more Bridgnorth tries as the game came to a close.