STAFFORD 1ST XV vs LEEK 1ST XV. 9TH APRIL 2022. LEAGUE.

Stafford went into the final away league game of the season with the formidable task of facing league leaders Leek. The home side had only conceded two games through this campaign putting them in a strong top of the league spot. This was also Leeks final home match of the season and a victory would confirm their position as number one in the league. In contrast Stafford travelled with another mixture of youth and experience with two of the more junior players, Ben Dodd & Will Roue making their first team debut.

Leek showed why they are so successful when their first attack of the game carved open the defence and the home side were instantly one try to the good. Stafford hit back immediately with the forwards driving through their opposite numbers to eventually earn a penalty. Will Roue stepped up to the tee and his debut score put three points on the board for the visitors. With the ball back in their hands lethal Leek found space to run and with clinical play took the second try of the game. With ten minutes gone on the clock the frantic pace of the game calmed slightly as the teams wrestled around the centre of the pitch. Stafford weren’t hiding and stood tall trading blow for blow with the hulking home side. Helped by a couple of infringements the County Town team worked their way down the pitch and it was Leek in a scrambling retreat. Running rugby put the hosts under pressure before a long looping pass found Connor McCulloch who raced in for a try, converted by Will Roue. In a familiar pattern with the ball in hand Leek pressed the button and their third try was soon in the bag. Stafford were vocally supporting each other and every player on the pitch was fighting hard against a well organised opposition. A Will Roue penalty cut the deficit to only eight points and the visitors were back in touch on the score board. Two rapid Leek tries secured the bonus point and opened up a sizeable lead going into the break. Stafford went into half time trailing 33-13 but having put in a strong shift of rugby against the league leaders.

The second half opened with a Leek try to swell their growing points score. Stafford battled back into the game with the whole team carrying for hard yards and assisted kicking moving them to within striking distance of the try line. With the forwards leading an exhausting assault the hits from both sides echoed around the ground. Leek smothered everything thrown at them until the defence was eventually punctured with Sam Chatfield clutching the ball for a try. Two more Leek tries took the home side score beyond the half century. Stafford would not lie down, continuing to work hard and supporting each other. Leek continued with a crippling defence but the County Town team had the try line in their sight. Stretching the play from one side to the other, the ball flew across the pitch before Dan Mills got past the final defender to take the third visiting try of the afternoon. With the clock slowly spiralling towards full time Stafford urged each other on for one final effort. Scrapping their hearts out the travelling XV carried deep into the opposition half. Attacks were piling in from all areas of the pitch as the visitors crashed against a defiant defence. Slick hands passed along an elusive ball before Chris Lindsey feinted and then smashed his way through a couple of Leek players to take the final try of the game, securing a loosing bonus point for an exhausted Stafford.

Next 1st XV Match; Saturday 23rd April Home vs Longton; 3pm kick off.