Stafford U16 Roses travelled to Wolverhampton for a friendly fixture against a CKB Babas team who
were a combination side made up with girls from Clee Hill, Kidderminster and Bromyard. The game was
played at Wolverhampton because it was more convenient for CKB side and because it gave the
chance for girls from Wolverhampton to play a match some of them for the first time. Both teams
were short on numbers and experience but with the girls from Wolverhampton boosting playing
numbers both teams were able to start with 15 players.
The Stafford side got off to a good start with Tori scoring and converting the opening try followed by
her second. But CKB Babas had some good players in their ranks as well and hit back with a try of
their own and that was how the game continued. Stafford would score a try and the opposition
would come back with a try of their own. The score at half time, not that it really mattered in a
game where it was all about players gaining experience and confidence, was 15 – 28 to Stafford, Tori
having converted all 4 of her first half tries.
There were a few injuries during the first 35 minutes and the sides were reduced to 13 each at the
start of the second half. CKB scored and converted the opening try to reduce the deficit but Stafford
hit right back with two tries of their own. CKB came straight back at Stafford and reduced the deficit
to a handful of points, but then Stafford regained their composure and extended the lead again. The
final score was 44 – 57 to Stafford.
It was a free scoring game with some big tackling in the middle of the pitch and good competition at
the breakdown. However, both sides recognised that there were weaknesses in the defences out
wide and that’s where the majority of the points were scored with long range runs from deep out
into the wide channels. There were some notable performances from the Stafford team, Ruby W
had her best game in a Stafford shirt and was awarded both opposition and coaches player of the
match. AJ played at number 8 instead of her usual position of center and terrorised CKB both in
attack and defence. Peggy and Sophia made double digit dominant tackles to shut down the
opposition attacks and Laila and Ruby C also had strong games. It was also a joy to watch Olivia have
the confidence to snipe round the edges of the ruck nearly getting a try towards the end of the
game.
Playing with so many (4) girls who had never played an actual game of rugby before is a tough ask
but the experienced players in both sides stepped up and produced an entertaining game of rugby
and one which everyone enjoyed playing in.
The scorers for Stafford were Tori (6 tries 6 conversions), Sofia (2 tries), AJ (1 try)
A milestone of note Tori scored her 50th try of the season in this game, an unbelievable achievement
after only 13 games.
Well played girls see those at training that can make it this week.
Mark