STAFFORD 2nd XV vs Newcastle (Staffs) 2nd XV. 3rd SEPTEMBER 2016. FRIENDLY MATCH.

Newcastle 0 – 24 Stafford

Stafford development team made the short journey to Newcastle for their final pre-season warm up game, prior to the league starting in earnest next week. Stafford travelled with a very large squad which had an excellent blend of youth and experience, which allowed the senior team to experiment with different starting line ups.

Stafford started the game in typical brutish fashion, exerting all of the pressure, as the home side tried to work their way into the game. Although they defended valiantly, Newcastle couldn’t stop a driving attack which saw Ed Carr crossing the line for the first try of the afternoon, Josh Arnold slotting the conversion. The home side found their rhythm and had a very bright period of play which saw Stafford pinned on their own try line. The county town XV absorbed the Newcastle assault and a spiralling kick created the space to relieve the pressure. Stafford smashed the ball back up the field through some slick running play but were held up just short of the line. The referees hand signalled a penalty for an earlier infringement and quick thinking released Chris Newell for the second try of the afternoon. As the first forty minutes neared the end an unfortunate knock to Matt Cooper saw the prop limping from the field. Stafford went into half time leading 0 -12, but comfortably in charge of the encounter.

The second half saw the rain sheeting down to add to the playing conditions and Stafford using their considerable bench to make some changes. A dogged Newcastle response allowed the home side to scrap their way up the field and lay siege to the visitors try line. Stafford defended strongly and the brave Newcastle assault was ended as the visitors subtly forced a penalty to clear their lines. With the pressure relieved, the new Stafford XV line up went on the attack. Dean Ainger demonstrated all of his skills as he hacked a bobbling ball down the field which defending Newcastle hands couldn’t stop crossing a slippery line and a racing Ainger followed up to touch down for a third try. Stafford continued to have the majority of the play and set up camp within sight of the Newcastle line. Youthful exuberance infected the Stafford XV as they worked for a fourth try and the Newcastle defenders were able to repel the assault. The sniping attacks eventually told against a tiring Newcastle XV as Callum Hoy crossed the line for the last try of the afternoon, Josh Arnold adding the conversion.