Stafford Colts v Loughborough Rugby Club - 22.9.23

In a thrilling match played under the floodlights on Friday night, the 22nd of September, Stafford Colts took on the touring Loughborough Rugby Club. The atmosphere was electric as both teams displayed their skills and determination on the field.

The game got off to a quick start, but unfortunately, Stafford Colts' Freddie Sutton had to leave the field early in the 7th minute due to a shoulder injury. However, this setback did not deter the home team as they continued to push forward.

It was Marley Thomas who broke the deadlock for Stafford Colts, scoring a try in the 25th minute. However, the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-0 in favour of the home team. Loughborough Rugby Club responded quickly with a try of their own in the 30th minute, which was successfully converted, giving them a 7-5 lead.

Not to be outdone, Stafford Colts fought back with another try, this time by Ollie Croft in the 32nd minute. Dylan Shrehorn successfully converted the try, putting Stafford Colts back in the lead at 12-7, which remained the score at half time.

The second half saw Stafford Colts come out even stronger. Finn Osmant scored a try in the 42nd minute, with Dylan Shrehorn once again converting, extending their lead to 19-7.
Very quickly after that Stafford suffered a second injury with Centre Morgan Cassells suffering a dislocated finger.
Osmant continued to impress with another try in the 47th minute, which was once again converted by Shrehorn, further extending the lead to 26-7.

Loughborough Rugby Club managed to pull one back with a try in the 51st minute, which was successfully converted, narrowing the deficit to 26-14. However, Stafford Colts quickly regained control, with Marley Thomas scoring another try in the 55th minute. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, making the score 31-14 in favour of Stafford Colts.

The home team continued to dominate, with Charlie Kirby scoring a try in the 61st minute, and Ollie Croft successfully converting, extending Stafford Colts' lead to 38-14.
Fly Half Henry Ralphs had to be substituted suffering from his hip.
In the 68th minute, Dylan Shrehorn added another try to his tally, with his own successful conversion, making the score 45-14. Shrehorn didn't stop there, scoring another try in the very next minute this time converted by Charlie Kirby.
This concluded the evening with a final score of 55-14 for the Home side.

Coaches Notes:
A very entertaining game of rugby, the lads were in great spirit and they showed it.
Early injuries meant we quickly had to play some players in unusual positions but the team adapted well and played some very good attacking rugby despite the wet conditions and a slippery ball.
Although he did not make it on the score sheet Ellis Millard deserves a mention for his performance in the centre of our back line. Both his attack and defence were on point that night. In the forwards, flanker Ethan Hollins and lock Tom Brotherhood both played their best games so far this season.