NEWCASTLE 2nd XV vs STAFFORD 2nd XV. 10th October 2015.

Newcastle 17 – 45 Stafford

Stafford development team travelled to Newcastle for the third league game of the season. With the previous week’s victory over Stone, the county town team travelled with a good winning streak behind them.

Stafford started at a very quick pace with line breaks helping them get deep into the Newcastle half. Following a good turn over, Dave Wareham took the first try of the afternoon, converted by Tim Woolman. Newcastle had a bright period of play preventing Stafford from getting any ball. Mark Broomhall swung the momentum a flying ball from the back of a ruck releasing Stevan Ivic to break through tackles and score under the posts, Tim Woolman adding the conversion. Another bruising run from Stevan Ivic opened up the field creating the space for a great move from Dave Wareham and Shaun Hunt which opened up the defence for Shaun Hunt Under to dive over the line, Tim Woolman adding the conversion. A penalty by Tim Woolman stretched the lead until some lazy defending by Stafford allowed Newcastle to build some momentum and score just before half time.

Newcastle continued the pressure at the beginning of the second half and a further try helped to cut the deficit. A strong scrum by Stafford put pressure on Newcastle and the loose ball was swept up by Mark Broomhall to cross the line for a try, Tim Woolman adding the conversion. Miscommunication at the back saw Newcastle strike back with a further try. Injuries to the battling Stafford XV saw Dave Wareham coming on to the centre. Stafford took over the game with Dave Wareham crossing the line twice due to seal the victory, both converted by Tim Woolman.