Stafford Development welcomed Congleton for a friendly encounter at the County Ground. The home side were looking forward to a challenging game of rugby, before retiring to the club house for the final weekend of the 6 Nations.

Stafford started slowly but gradually eased themselves into the game building the pressure on the visitors. Their reward came as new recruit Andy Ford flew down the wing for an unconverted try. Congleton fought back and a converted try wrestled the lead away from the home side. The visitors threatened to put more points on the board, but great defence allowed Dave Wain to intercept the ball and release Matt Parton to run the full length of the pitch for a superb try. Stafford maintained the pressure and despite some good defence, Congleton couldn’t keep stop Mark Broomhall from crashing over the line for the third home side try of the afternoon. Stafford went into half time leading by 15 -7 and having had the better of the game.

Stafford came into the second half knowing that they had the upper hand and proceeded to besiege the visitors. Despite several chances, Stafford couldn’t find the finishing touch. Congleton seemed to have found the strategy to contain the home side, but at the beginning of the fourth quarter a defensive mistake gave Stefan Ivic the room to muscle his way over the line for the final try of the afternoon.