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Sat 27 Apr 2013
Stafford A XV
15:00
Willenhall 2nd's
Ali's Men Fnish In Style
jonathan hodgkins30 Apr 2013 - 20:57
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A winning end to a successful season for the 2nd's
Stafford 2nds XV Vs. Willenhall 2nd’s 27/04/13
Stafford had a point to prove from this game, the reverse fixture had been played with Stafford only able to field 13 players. Stafford started brightly and attacked with purpose, it was clear that the larger Willenhall pack would dominate the breakdowns, yet if the ball was kept alive Stafford would create opportunities to score.
It wasn’t long before winger Dave Wareham crossed the line running in for his first of the afternoon after some quick hands through the back line to score in the corner. Stafford continued to press hard and again it was Wareham who crossed over whilst being hounded by the Willenhall defence, to be converted by Chris Newell, putting the home side 12 points in front.
Play resumed and Willenhall attempted to break through. The tackles were hard and many players stepped up to keep the opposition from crossing the try line of the home side. Yet the determination paid off, and as the ball was turned over from a ruck it was quickly shipped out to the wing, Wareham had the legs to run in his third try of the half, whilst also handing off three of the opposition in the process. Willenhall replied soon after with a try of their own. Some neat play from the forwards, created an opportunity after winning a lineout and they were able to drive over.
As half time approached, it provided one more opportunity for Stafford to score. With the aid off a clinical kick by club coach Darren Mottershead, ‘Tinkle toes’ Ali Oxley somehow managed to collect the ball and slip past the defender and touchline to score. Half time Stafford 22- Willenhall 5
The Second half wasn’t to be any less eventful as both sides wanted to finish the season on a high. The ground was hard and began to take its tol on many players yet they still managed to pick themselves up and carry on. Stafford was able to keep the ball moving and this allowed for gaps to appear. Mottershead took the opportunity to attack this and after skipping past a handful of tacklers he was able to score Stafford’s 5th of the match much to the crowd’s cheers outside the clubhouse. Chris Newell stepped up and added the conversion.
As the game drew on Stafford began to work harder as a team and were sending the opposition backwards. Ronnie Hindle was able to power through and with an outstretched arm applied downward pressure to score a further try. In the final moments it was Wareham again to score having switched wings to get on the end of planned move and score in the corner.
Final Score Stafford 39 – Willenhall 5
A brilliant end to another fantastic season, for the Development XV squad. A season that has seen the introduction of many colts to the senior squads, as well as some returning players to the club. Special thanks to Captain Ali Oxley for his hard work this season, you have done the lads proud!
Stafford had a point to prove from this game, the reverse fixture had been played with Stafford only able to field 13 players. Stafford started brightly and attacked with purpose, it was clear that the larger Willenhall pack would dominate the breakdowns, yet if the ball was kept alive Stafford would create opportunities to score.
It wasn’t long before winger Dave Wareham crossed the line running in for his first of the afternoon after some quick hands through the back line to score in the corner. Stafford continued to press hard and again it was Wareham who crossed over whilst being hounded by the Willenhall defence, to be converted by Chris Newell, putting the home side 12 points in front.
Play resumed and Willenhall attempted to break through. The tackles were hard and many players stepped up to keep the opposition from crossing the try line of the home side. Yet the determination paid off, and as the ball was turned over from a ruck it was quickly shipped out to the wing, Wareham had the legs to run in his third try of the half, whilst also handing off three of the opposition in the process. Willenhall replied soon after with a try of their own. Some neat play from the forwards, created an opportunity after winning a lineout and they were able to drive over.
As half time approached, it provided one more opportunity for Stafford to score. With the aid off a clinical kick by club coach Darren Mottershead, ‘Tinkle toes’ Ali Oxley somehow managed to collect the ball and slip past the defender and touchline to score. Half time Stafford 22- Willenhall 5
The Second half wasn’t to be any less eventful as both sides wanted to finish the season on a high. The ground was hard and began to take its tol on many players yet they still managed to pick themselves up and carry on. Stafford was able to keep the ball moving and this allowed for gaps to appear. Mottershead took the opportunity to attack this and after skipping past a handful of tacklers he was able to score Stafford’s 5th of the match much to the crowd’s cheers outside the clubhouse. Chris Newell stepped up and added the conversion.
As the game drew on Stafford began to work harder as a team and were sending the opposition backwards. Ronnie Hindle was able to power through and with an outstretched arm applied downward pressure to score a further try. In the final moments it was Wareham again to score having switched wings to get on the end of planned move and score in the corner.
Final Score Stafford 39 – Willenhall 5
A brilliant end to another fantastic season, for the Development XV squad. A season that has seen the introduction of many colts to the senior squads, as well as some returning players to the club. Special thanks to Captain Ali Oxley for his hard work this season, you have done the lads proud!
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