The first few minutes were all Stafford possession but we were deep in our own half and we couldn’t penetrate either side of the pitch. MB won the ball and immediately threw it right across the backs with a very slick move and scored. 0-7

An even period of play follows but again MB go wide and use the same move to run in to score 0-12

Some strong running from Stafford forwards press into MB half and they don’t roll away give us a penalty 5m out and Izzy powers over. Hit the post on conversion 5-12

MB push forward on restart and are held up over the try line on the left but they continue to press throwing the ball across the backs and go over far right corner. Con missed 5-17

Stafford again have lots of ball but are slowly pushed backwards where a knock on gives MB ball on the 22 and they drive over 5-22

Half time

Great first phases of play as Stafford come out with good intent and Eleanor is unfortunately held up over the line. MB mess up restart and a Stafford scrum worked well from No 8 and Esme running a good line receives at speed to go over and it’s converted 12-22

More even play follows with exchanges across the middle of the pitch. Stafford forwards grind forward in pods pushes to their 22 but a knock on as it goes wide is picked up by a MB back and run all the way in 12-29

Quickly after the restart Stafford knock on and MB scrum then goes right and they run in from half way 12-34

Stafford don’t let their heads drop though and continue to push forward from the restart and get a penalty on 5m again, no surprises as Izzy drives over 17-34

MB make up ground though and with a string of sleek backs moves they go over in the left corner 17-39

Full time
A game played in good spirit by all and It was great to see all MB team and coaching staff stay after the game and enjoy the hospitality. It doesn’t happen too much these days.

Back - Georgia

Forward - Lily

Dame and opposition player - Tink