STAFFORD DEVELOPMENT XV vs HANDSWORTH 2ND XV. 9TH SEPTEMBER 2017. LEAGUE MATCH.

Stafford 121 – 0 Handsworth

Stafford welcomed Handsworth to the County Ground for the opening league encounter of the season. With the perfect playing conditions, Stafford's development team were striving to secure the perfect start to the season.

From the opening whistle, it was obvious that the Stafford players wanted to impress and stamp their authority on the game. With only 4 minutes gone on the clock the first try of the afternoon was scored. Stafford's pack were making significant ground and the solid platform allowed the backs the freedom to attack. Handsworth tried to get themselves into the game but couldn’t contain a clinical Stafford display. Stafford went into half time with an impressive 56-0 lead.

With a rallying team talk from the skipper, Gaz Phillips, Stafford showed their respect for the opposition by not easing off and keeping the score, board ticking over. The performance continued to be impressive, with only occasional minor mistakes stopping a faultless display. The closing comments must be given to Handsworth... despite the score, their heads never dropped and they continued to play good rugby right up to the final whistle. A true testament to the character of their team.

Points Scorers in the game were:
Oli Greensill (4), Sam Harbage (4), Brett Corcoran (4), Joel Hancock (3), Seb Drakeford (1), Tim Woolman (1), Craig Fulham (1), Gaz Phillips (1), Shaun Bickley (1), Will Salt (1), Matt Smith (1), Penalty x 1, Conversions x 4.