First Half
Stafford set the tone early with strong pressure and big tackles that pushed Crewe backwards and set the platform for early control. Their lineouts were particularly sharp, with clean lifts and well-organised calls allowing Stafford to secure possession comfortably and launch structured attacks. Using this momentum, Bea Rix crossed just five minutes in for the opening try.

Stafford continued to build on this with solid defence, consistent jackling, and firm contact, which created the platform for Bea’s second try shortly after. The strong lineout work continued to pay off, giving Stafford stability and confidence whenever the set piece was called upon.

Crewe showed resilience, building phases despite Stafford’s powerful defensive presence, and eventually broke through for their first try to close the gap to 5–10. Stafford responded immediately. With the team continuing to put in strong tackles and winning key collisions, the ball was moved smoothly to allow captain Verity Bellingham to power over the line and convert her own score.

A yellow card to Crewe shortly before halftime — during a spell where Stafford’s defence again held firm through big tackles — left the home side a player down. Stafford capitalised with decisive phase play, finishing the half as Bea Rix completed her hat-trick, sending the visitors into the break ahead 5–22.

Second Half
Stafford opened the second half with the same intensity, continuing to produce solid, well-timed tackles that disrupted Crewe’s progress. Their lineouts remained reliable, providing clean attacking platforms and keeping pressure firmly in Stafford’s favour. Off a structured scrum, fly-half Charlotte Bowyer called a smart move that sent Bea wide for her fourth try, converted by Verity for 5–29.

Even after Stafford received a yellow card, they held their shape. Their defence remained steady, supported by more strong contact, which set up the opportunity for Verity Bellingham to pick from a breakdown in Crewe’s 22 and cross for her second try, again adding the conversion to make it 5–36.

Fresh legs were introduced as Charli Dunn, Hannah Ward, and Dee Hanlon joined the action, bringing renewed energy. Stafford continued to pressure Crewe, using more big tackles to keep the home side pinned back. After a turnover ball created through strong defensive work, Dee Hanlon gathered and crashed over the try line for Stafford’s final score, taking the tally to 5–41.

Crewe mounted a late effort, working their way downfield despite absorbing consistent Stafford tackles throughout the match, and finished with a late try to bring the final score to 10–41.

Final Thoughts
Stafford’s performance was built on structure, teamwork, excellent lineout execution, and strong defensive contact, complemented by clinical attacking play. The impressive away win sends the team confidently into the next round of the Women’s Junior Cup.

Next Matches take place at 14th December 2025 :
Stafford Women 1st XV (H) V Old Halesonians
Newcastle Castlettes V Stafford Women (A)