Stafford 1st XV welcomed Old Saltleians to the county ground for the final league game of the year. The visitors came to the Cathedral with an impressive pedigree having won 9 out of 11 and sitting second place in a tough league. Stafford were still struggling for form but starting to grind out some gutsy performances.

The early encounters were very physical, leaving a wake of players strewn across the pitch as both teams tried to set the early tempo. It was Saltleians that broke the deadlock as they snuck a try in the corner, the conversion flying wide. Stafford came roaring back at the visitors, who were then reduced to fourteen men via a yellow card as they attempted to halt the surge. Rich Martin slotting the penalty to put deserved points on the board. Saltleians were restored to a full XV and worked the ball up the pitch, an experienced back line took a quick penalty to grab the second try of the afternoon. A tenacious Stafford fought their way back into the game and a second Rich Martin penalty cut the deficit to put the home side within touching distance. A yellow card for Stafford reduced them to fourteen and Saltleians made the advantage count through a penalty kick to extend their lead. The Stafford forwards responded with a rampage of savage rugby which punched huge holes into a desperate defence. Saltleians couldn’t contain the ferocious forwards and Mike Davies crashed across the line to score Staffords first try of the afternoon. Stafford went into half time trailing by 11 – 13, but having matched the visitors stride for stride.

Saltleians opened the second half with a try, their well drilled back line showing why they were sitting second in the table. The Stafford forwards then proceeded to chew up the opposition and spit out any remains behind them. Saltleians couldn’t find a response to the Stafford war of attrition and relied on a pressured back line to run them out of danger time after time. A double yellow card bemused both teams and the game continued with fourteen a side. A Saltleians penalty could have extended their lead, but dropped short of the posts. Both sides were restored to a full team for the final five minutes, but by this point the pace of the game was telling and both teams were fairly much out on their feet. Saltleians closed the game with a third yellow card of the afternoon but having done enough work to hold onto a one try lead.

Stafford can break for Christmas holding their heads high after a ferocious game against the team sitting second in the league.