CAMP HILL 1ST XV vs STAFFORD 1ST XV. 26TH MARCH 2022. LEAGUE.

Stafford closed off the March period of the campaign with their penultimate away game visiting the Shirley area of the Birmingham conurbation. The County Town team were still suffering from a hard season as injuries and availability continued to produce an evolving look to the 1st XV. Camp Hill were sitting in sixth place league position with an identical win / loss record to the fifth placed visitors. However, it was difficult to pinpoint when Stafford had ever earned a win at the Shrine and with the hosts looking to avenge their 31-12 loss at Blackberry Lane earlier in the season it promised to be a competitive afternoon.

The home side crashed into the encounter with a familiar brand of bludgeoning rugby. A few infringements stole some territory before Camp Hill took the first points of the game through a penalty. Stafford gave as good as they got and the hard hits were flying in from both sides. The subtle skills were also on show, Matty Walklate marking his return to 1st XV rugby with an ambitious catch which involved at least a double pike before he crashed to the floor. All of Stafford’s hard work was eventually rewarded when Christian Stelian slotted a penalty between the posts to tie the scores. Camp Hill were in a typically clinical mood and a penalty followed by a converted try opened up a sudden margin between the teams. Infringements by both sides saw a relentless ten-minute period as the play swung from one end to the other. The pace of the game took its toll and Matty Walklate had to leave the field, causing Stafford to reshuffle positions on the pitch. The home side struck again to claim another try before a tip tackle reduced the hosts to a temporary fourteen courtesy of a yellow card. Stafford went into half time trailing by 20-3 and still looking for a way through the rugged Camp Hill defence.

The second half opened with Camp Hill launching the ball and following up for an immediate try. Stafford responded with some good play which halted the momentum and clawed back some ground. A quick lineout caught the opposition napping and Tom Kirby crossed for Stafford’s first try converted by Christian Stelian. A punishing run by Nick Oxley burst through the defence but was hauled down short of the line. An injury to Ben Chatfield necessitated more changes for the visiting XV. With a full complement back on the pitch the home side resumed their assault and scrapped through to take the bonus point try. Stafford wouldn’t lie down and surged across the Camp Hill line with Neil Holden at the bottom of the pile of bodies, but the referee deemed the ball held up. With the wind in their sails, Camp Hill ran in another three tries to create a sizeable lead. A double yellow card reduced both sides to fourteen on the pitch for the remainder of the game, before the hosts topped off the afternoon with a final try.

Next 1st XV Match; Saturday 2nd April Home vs Crewe & Nantwich; 3pm kick off.