Stafford started off the game strongly with a team sheet full of experience. Stafford kicked off the game and began chasing, putting in tackles and applying pressure to an organised Clee Hill. Stafford’s pressure began to slowly break down Clee Hill with Stafford being awarded penalty after penalty. But Clee Hill weren’t going to go down without a fight. Stafford broke through Clee Hill’s defence with our forwards and backs working cohesively together. After getting the ball out to our backs Clee Hill were pushed back into their own half edging dangerously close to their own try line, with Gemma Simkin & Dee Hanlon pushing their way through . An unfortunate knock on lead to a Clee Hill scrum. After some big pushes the scrum collapsed with Verity Bellingham collecting the ball and striving towards the try line but gaining more meters and pushing Clee Hill back 10 yards with another penalty in their favour. After some brilliant team work they were able to break through Clee Hill’s line with Grace Chandler scoring Stafford’s first try of the match putting the women 5-0 up in the first half.
At the restart Stafford received the ball landing straight into the hands of Claire Rix who began making her way up the pitch. Attacking and defending Stafford gave their all, putting in well timed tackles to meet Clee Hills attack with strong defence. Great pressure from Stafford set the momentum for the rest of the game. After a turnover Stafford upped the defence again putting in strong hits slowing the Clee Hill attack down. Stafford continued despite injuries, continuing their strong-willed attack pushing Clee Hill back with every Stafford possession.
The ladies' pressure started causing more and more issues for Clee Hills defensive line pushing them further and further back.

Stafford were showcasing strong scrums producing big pushes putting them in a good position to keep fighting an eager Clee Hill. Some great teamwork from Mae Plenderleith and Ellie Burgess lead to the winger rushing down a quarter of the pitch with Clee Hill failing to keep up. Stafford kept the pace running magnificent phases of play which put Captain Verity Bellingham in the perfect place to score Stafford’s second try of the match with placing Stafford 10-0 to tie up the first half.

As the Second half began Stafford were met by Clee Hill trying to charge their way through Stafford’s defensive line, but Stafford kept it calm quickly being able to run back at Clee Hill’s defense walking them slowly back into their own half. But Clee Hill kept it coming with big hits in their attempts to regain the ball. Unfortunately, despite Stafford’s efforts Clee Hill were able to find the break in their defense gaining themself a try putting them 10-5 down but still showed that they were driving for more. Stafford saw this and raised their levels to a new extreme with some pace behind them with fresh legs in the backs. Stafford were relentless, fighting and striving for the all important win. A penalty awarded to Stafford forced Clee Hill all the way back onto their try line hoping to keep Stafford away. After some push back from Clee Hill Stafford had to think of a new plan to get their win. Some great thinking and brilliant hands for Stafford lead to Gemma Simkin scoring the winning try for Stafford with Charlie Dunn giving Stafford a cheeky extra two points scoring her conversion kick, and giving Stafford a perfect place to stand and defend their win. Unfortunately, after some lucky timing and good rugby from Clee Hill they managed to score their second try of the match, meeting Stafford 17-12. But this did not discourage the women; they came back with even more fight, challenging Clee Hill even more, defensively keeping Clee Hill at bay until the final whistle.

It was a great win for the Ladies at home. With the team showcasing some brilliant rugby demonstrating how far we have come as a team with newer players and more experienced players being able to play a great game of rugby.

We would like to thank all the supporters and VP’s that came down to watch the game. It is truly appreciated, and we hope you enjoyed the match.
All the support was brilliant, and we hope we could have this much support at our next home game against Stourbridge on the 24th November.

Forward of the Match: Mae Plenderleith
Back of the Match: Charli Dunn
Opposition of the Match: Sophi Kowalewska-Fry
Mergoat of the Match: Grace Chandler