Stafford welcomed Shrewsbury to the County Ground for the second fixture of the new season. The visitors travelled sitting at level seven a whole tier above the hosts and with a very impressive previous season finish of third place, they promised to be strong opposition. Stafford took the opportunity to field a fairly extensive team with a large bench which included a lot of the clubs burgeoning youth. To give both sides the opportunity to cycle through different playing combinations, the match was played in four quarters. The heavens opened to drench the pitch just prior to the opening whistle of the game.

The first twenty-minute period introduced what was to become a very hotly contested game. The teams both looked eager and some mighty hits didn’t interrupt a contest which was already being played at a fast pace. Stafford slowly seized the initiative and some tenacious play eventually carried them to within touching distance of the opposition line. Some hefty carries softened up the defence before Tom Barker muscled across, but a final intervention prised the ball loose. The Shrewsbury response was instant and the hosts were soon having to dig in on their own line. The visitors put in a massive effort but the defence was equal to the task and the final surge was held up. The teams continued to trade blows but neither could gain any immediate foothold. A final flurry from Stafford allowed John Richards to tear away, but the referees whistle called back play to end the first twenty at 0-0. Shrewsbury came crashing back into the contest after the first break. A Salopian surge rolled over the Blackberry Lane defence and the finish flourish produced a converted try. This stung Stafford into an immediate response which reciprocated by shredding through the surprised visitors. The ball flew around the pitch before Jerry Qasenivalu stepped across for the equalising try. Both sides continued to have their opportunities and as the break approached the score line reflected the game. But a cruel interception prised the teams back apart as Shrewsbury poached a final try. Stafford went into half time trailing 5 – 14 but in a very tight game which could still swing either way.

Playing against the wind, Stafford had to endure a bombardment of kicks raining down on them in the opening forays of the second half. They absorbed everything being thrown at them and play was steered back towards the halfway mark. The vast number of exuberant fresh legs available to the home side was biting into the visiting XV, who couldn’t find any space to catch a breath. Slowly the Shropshire side were grudgingly forced backwards and reluctantly conceded territory. The contest was fierce and a few players on both teams were taking extra moments to re-join the game as they shook off the effects of the contact. Stafford doggedly stuck to their purpose and deep in opposition territory got the penalty they deserved. The initial assault was thwarted but the County Town team settled for a subsequent scrum. As the packs engaged, the always aware Alex Rock scooped up the ball and stepped through a static Shrewsbury for a try to bring the game back to a four-point deficit. Starting the final twenty it was all Stafford but the Shrewsbury defiance remained difficult to break down. Inch by inch the Blackberry Lane XV clawed their way through some superbly defended territory but couldn’t find the final touch. The visitors found some new energy and savagely fought their way out of danger and deep into the Stafford half. But the home side wouldn’t lie down and put all of their resilience on display. A frantic few minutes led to the ball finally being back in the hosts possession. Some deft handling tore open the field and from one end to the other the running rugby was scintillating to watch. Connor McCulloch gathered the final pass and flew over for the try and a one-point lead. With a few minutes left on the clock, the bouncing restart eluded the Stafford hands and Shrewsbury swarmed all over the loose ball. The scrambling defence threw back a couple of attacks. But, digging deep, Shrewsbury marshalled the last of their energy and eventually found the space to cross for the match winning try.

Next 1st XV Match: Saturday 26th September, Bridgnorth Bulls XV. Home League. KO 15.00.