The Ladies travelled down to a cold windy Bournville with the hope of giving them a good run for their money. Stafford started out with a strong 15 with a bench eager to get on and make a difference.

Bournville kicked off with our Ladies receiving the ball eager for a good start. Stafford sprang up the pitch but unfortunately Bournville were quick putting in the tackles and managing to overturn the ball leading to their first try of the match and a successful conversion putting them 7-0 over our Ladies. Stafford carried on and at the restart were ready, unfortunately Bournville were amped up and managed to break through Stafford’s defence to score their second try of the match and a successful conversion putting the score at 14-0. This unfortunately put fire in Bournville's step with them scoring an additional 3 tries, with Charli Dunn earning a well-fought tackle chasing Bournville’s try scorer to the try line sending her over the line winning Stafford a knock-on ball and avoiding another Bournville try.
After Charli’s sprint chase, morale within the team began to increase, with Mel Philips coming off the bench to score Stafford first try of the match with a score of 28-5. Bournville responded to this by scoring another try of their own ending the first half 33-5, and Stafford wanting more.

As the second half began, Bournville again started the half off with a try and a successful conversion putting the score at 40-5. With time left on the clock Stafford worked as a team to break through Bournville’s hard defensive lines, placing themselves in key positions ready for the tip and ready to rush for ruck coverage. Some brilliant phases of rugby led to U18’s Panther Liz Kirkham scoring the second try for Stafford putting confidence in everyone's step. Bournville then fired back with a strong try from the backs putting them 45-10 up. A shift in positions, fresh legs on and Stafford repeatedly pushed Bournville back into their own half allowing Stafford to keep the crowd on the edge. Stafford shoved Bournville back onto the own try line putting our Ladies at an advantage. Stafford played their phases leading to Eirinn McAdam to score her first try for Stafford in her first appearance for the team.

With the full-time whistle being blown, Stafford were proud of their performance coming back from a 33-5 score at half time the Ladies were able to hold their own today and challenge a tough team and show their skill to end with 45-15 being the final score.

Today Stafford showcased a brilliant comeback, the score does not reflect how well they played and how they were able to hold their heads high and clear throughout the match. We also today were joined by 4 of our U18 Panthers making appearances with KJ Frazor playing her first match for the ladies and doing an amazing job on the wing putting in some terrifyingly brilliant tackles. We also had Eirinn McAdam who played her first ever match for Stafford Rugby Club coming on as a replacement and scoring a try.
We would also like to welcome back Mel Philips and Alex Allen-Gunn playing their first game back after injury.

Despite the loss a big congratulations to the team being the only team to be able to score a point against Bournville at home this season.

Thank you to our teammates and supporters who made the trip. The support truly does not go unrecognised so again thank you.

Awards:
Forward of the match - Liz Kirkham
Back of the match - Lizzie Oxley
Mergoat of the Match - Sophi Kowalewska- Fry
Opposition of the match - Gemma Simkin