Luctonians v Stafford Marvels and Shropshire Staggs.

Stafford Marvels and Shropshire Stags put up a brave battle in atrocious conditions as they went down fighting to a strong Luctonians side.
Buoyed by a fantastic victory in their previous match, the 15-strong team made the lengthy journey to face the home side’s fourth-string squad.

Luck wasn’t to be with them as they lost Rhys Evans to a calf injury in the warm ups meaning the visitors would start the game with only 14 players.

Luctonians got off to a flyer with their man advantage paying off as they racked up several tries in the opening 20 minutes.
After recruiting a player from the opposition, a full-strength Stafford and Shropshire team halted the early try-scoring of their hosts and the game became a much more even encounter.

The non-stop rain made it difficult under foot and at least one of the opposition tries was as a result of the greasy conditions. Despite this the Marvs back line remained undaunted with Man of the Match James Hughes continually dealing with difficult high balls, thwarting Luctonians’ breaks on the wing, and being unlucky not to score after a 40 metre run.

And the returning Brad Clements on the other wing was having a cracking defensive game - getting back to smother a ball when a try looked inevitable and was unfortunate he didn’t find himself on the score sheet as he made great strides down the wing.

Stafford and Shropshire continued to pile on the pressure with captain Matt Powell carrying the team forward - as the pack started to take some big hits as they crashed through the boggy ground. Simon MacDonald and Duncan Howe made many impressions into the home defence with debutant Joe Mason adding the extra power and aggression - and appeared to enjoy the muddy conditions as he took the ball into some heavy clashes.

The visitors thought they had some points on the board when speedy centre Reuben Sutton collected a ball behind his own line and started a run which saw him touch down under the opponents’ post - only for the referee to bring the play back.

Luctonians were to get only one more try as the SAS defence held strong and had some good opportunities to narrow the scoreline. Clements and Hughes again with probing runs - but full back Keith Richards was the pick of the bunch as a swivel of his hips allowed him the space to break free and make serious ground before being collared by the home defence.

A bright spot in the torrential rain was the consistency of the Stafford and Shropshire lineout - with Zac Pressland bang on the money with his throws and Pete Mills’ impeccable handling - presenting opportunities for the back line. Mills revelled in the number 8 spot with several slick breaks from the back of the scrum.

It was a tough day at the office for the visitors but once again rugby was the winner - with yet again so many players making a lengthy trip to play and the tremendous support from the sidelines from those who got soaked to the skin to cheer on Stafford and Shropshire.

Our Player of the match - James Hughes
Opposition Players of the Match. Zack Pressland, Reuben Sutton, and Matty Hickman.

If you would like to join in with Mixed Ability we train every Monday night down the club, or just ask in the club who will point you towards someone who can help or drop Danni Bayley a line.

Next MAR Match; Saturday 25th November 2023, Home vs Longlevens.