A steady start going through a few phases as Stafford grind forward with good carries. A Stafford penalty 5m out and Izzy gets her trademark try from the tap and go. Very close but just short on the conversion. 0-5

Restart with a Stafford knock on and Worcester scrum (now uncontested) which is worked across and out for a Stafford line out. This was lost forward and Worcs go on the attack and some good defence from Stafford ends with Katy tackling into touch. More Worcs pressure and great defence again with the ball being held up over the line by Peggy and Esmee T (so I’m told, pretty far away) and then Stafford regain possession and Sofia sets off on a brilliant mazy 50m plus run and goes over by the posts. Conversion success by Niamh and 0-12

Restart again with a knock on. Worcs work towards the line again but great jackel by Esmee T wins possession and it’s kicked out to our 22 for a little breather. A few knock ons for both teams follows but still in Stafford 22. A worcs line out goes short and they do a nice move to go over for a try in the corner. Conversion missed 5-12

A scrappy period of play follows but Stafford manage to press forward into Worcs 22. The ball is lost and quickly regained with a jackel from Georgia W and it’s worked along the line nicely but the last pass goes astray. Then it’s Worcs on the attack again and Lily and Ava team up for a big double tackle into touch and a little high five to each other to celebrate lol. The Line out is lost though however Stafford continue to generally gain ground and Worcs are conceding penalties more and more under the pressure which leads to Niamh jinks through for a try from 10m out and she converts 5-19 to Stafford and end of the 1st half.

2nd half

Scrums are contested again.

Straight from the restart Worcs attack down the line and a big tackle by Ava to touch goes down well with the folks on that side of the pitch but the line out is lost and it’s straight to back in Worc hands and another attack down the opposite side and a big hit by Freya to touch which we could equally appreciate our side of the pitch! Line out lost once more. Stafford then give away successive penalties but keep landing big tackles and Summer hits them hard which prevents any advantage. Worcs know they are in a physical battle today!

Stafford Scrum on half way, a good break blindside and Stafford get a penalty well in the 22. The ball is lost though and kicked but no way through for Worcs who knock on. Worcs jackel the ball but can’t clear their lines though and Stafford keep up the pressure well in Worcs half and force another line out. Line out lost once again. Stafford defence is on fire today though and Worcs once again can’t make any ground.

Stafford work the ball along the line well and the pressure is converted to points as Esme N runs a nice line to go over and Katy converts for 5-26

Worcs reply with a well worked try of their own though and a conversion makes it’s 10 - 26.

End to end stuff now as Stafford go within half a metre but a penalty for not releasing hands the ball back to Worcs. Still pinned in their 22 Worcs don’t throw in straight and a messy scrum from Stafford but the ball pops out for us nicely and some good, quick hands on the blindside and Sienna runs into the corner and round under the posts for a try. Katy smashes the post from 10m out with the conversion attempt. Izzy handily informs her “between the posts next time” 10-31 to Stafford.

Worcs restart with some intent and for the first time in the game Stafford defence looks fragile and Worcs go over 17- 31

Stafford win a scrum and a charged down kick goes loose for Worcs who go over again 24-31 and Worcs suddenly need just one score for the draw.

The distinct voice of coach Rob sounds across the pitch and advises the girls to pick it up again which they duly do but just a yard short give away a penalty by holding on. Worcs kick the penalty but lose the line out which goes loose at the back and Izzy collects. Stafford pounce on the opportunity well and good hands send the ball to Sophia who goes over for her 2nd of the game! Conversion close but short and the whistle goes for Full time!

Stafford earn a hard fought win Worcs 24 points to Stafford 36.

Post match awards

Back - Sophia

Forward - Summer

Dame - Katy (For hitting the post from 10m out dead centre of posts)

A nice win to start the season, lots of positives to take away for the coaches and a great run out for the entire squad. Well played everyone!