Stafford Colts v Bromsgrove Colts - 20.8.2023

Stafford Colts started their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought victory at home to Bromsgrove.
They got off to a flying start when a quickly taken penalty by Sam Edwards gave Seb Conaghan the opportunity to weave his way through to grab the opening try. Unfortunately, the fly-half couldn’t add the extra two points.
It wasn’t long before the home side doubled the score when Edwards was the beneficiary with a quick pick and go off a strong driving maul by the Stafford pack. Again, Conaghan failed with a difficult conversion out wide.
The visitors went down to 14 men following a series of infringements and Stafford took advantage of their numerical advantage when Charlie Kirby touched down in the corner after quick hands between Olly Croft and Fin Osmant.
The friendly was being played in 20-minute quarters allowing Stafford to utilise all 32 players at their disposal - giving many juniors their first taste of Colts rugby, and they didn’t let themselves down.
There were notable debuts from Ben Thomas and Kayden Robinson in the pack including Farai Munjodzi, who recently joined Stafford. There were also standout performances from senior Colts - such as Callum Stanley at tight head. The squad was led impressively by a new captain in the always dependable flanker - DJ Clements.
Bromsgrove were the dominant force in the second quarter and the pressure paid off with a pushover try from a line out - and subsequent conversion. The flow of the game was punctuated by a series of penalties with Stafford holding on to take a 15-7 lead into the break.
The home side got off to a flyer in the penultimate quarter when a powerful run by Stanley was recycled brilliantly across the back line and expertly finished off by Ellis Millard. Conaghan hit the post with his conversion attempt.
But a couple of minutes later the dangerous Bromsgrove number nine carved through the centre of the Stafford defence for an unconverted try.
It could have been worse for the home team but full-back Croft’s try saving tackle prevented the visitors narrowing the gap when they seemed certain to score. It was to be brief respite though and some scrappy play in the home 22 saw the ball run loose allowing the easiest of tries under the posts - and a straightforward conversion - which left the visitors only one point behind going into the final 20 minutes.
Stafford increased the lead when Osmant crashed over from another tap penalty by the ever-alert Edwards five minutes into the final quarter. Kicking duties this time handed over to Henry Perks who just failed to convert.
The home side were now camped in their opponent’s half but had to wait until two minutes before the end to give the scoreline an air of respectability - with another quick penalty for Croft, who was trying his hand at back row and using his strength and speed forced his way over for their sixth and final try of the match. Unfortunately, the conversion again came up short into a swirling wind.

Coaches Comments:
Plenty of positives from today’s game with lots of lads adapting admirably to different positions in the pack and across the back line. Special mention for Ben Thomas for some strong carrying and clearing out. Well done to Farai Munjodzi who played his first game for Stafford since arriving from Zimbabwe and carried strongly.
Encouraging to see how quick the Senior and Junior Colts are working together across the park.
We’ll go back to training now and work on “even better if” and we go again Thursday night.