Stafford Marbelles welcomed Uttoxeter Vixens to the Blackberry Lane for an enjoyable November outing. Newly formed Uttoxeter were playing only their second game. However, the Stafford Marbelles Mixed Ability were one better with this being their debut outing as a team. Both sides were supported by an enthusiastic and raucous crowd.

The opening phases of the match were very competitive but the referees whistle was in constant use as the teams sized each other up. Both sides were settling into playing with new team mates and a couple of promising attacks just missed the final pass. Stafford started to create some good phases and eventually broke through the defending Vixens. Only some last-minute hits managed to prise the ball loose and smother the momentum. Seizing the opportunity a flowing running attack by Uttoxeter split the field apart and the visitors crossed for the first try of the afternoon. With the first twenty minutes gone, both sides gulped in the oxygen and took the opportunity to regroup. It was the Vixens that recommenced the strongest and a punishing ten minutes in the Stafford half got its reward through a second try. The Blackberry Lane XV were still working hard for each other and managed to claw their way back into the game. Uttoxeter put in some hard defence but couldn’t prevent Lou Kowalewska Fry from crashing across the line for a try, converted by Amelia Gardener. The Marbelles went into half time trailing 7 – 12 but still very much in contention for their opening game.

An early try from Uttoxeter stretched the lead and gave Stafford a larger target to chase. Keeping their composure, the Marbelles built up the pressure through some simple rugby which ate up the hard yards. The County Town team threatened the opposition line but couldn’t find the final touch to take them over. A loose pass was spilt and their opponents scooped up the ball to turn the tide. With ball in hand the Vixens looked increasingly comfortable and soon took another try to add to their tally. Stafford kept working but a slowly tiring defence couldn’t keep out the final visiting try of the afternoon. A final surge of energy swept through the Marbelles as they went looking for a consolation try. But despite some gutsy rugby the finish remained elusive and the referees whistle sounded the end of the encounter.

Next Marbelles Match: Saturday 6th December vs Yeovil Mixed Ability, away K.O. 1pm.