STAFFORD 2ND XV vs LEEK 2ND XV. 26TH AUGUST 2023. PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY.

The Stafford senior squad combined to form a very mixed team for a friendly game against Leek 2nd XV. Both sides fielded sizeable squads as they took the opportunity to try different combinations and give the younger members of the senior’s valuable game time. Stafford included a number of players making their full senior mens debut after transitioning through from last season’s colts’ team. The game was played in twenty-minute quarters to allow the clubs to tinker with the line ups on the field of play.

The rain, which had plagued the day, was driven off for the beginning of the game. With the family fun day taking place around the club grounds, the teams played the match accompanied by a mixture of 80’s & 90’s chart hits. The first period opened with a settled display from the Leek XV which put Stafford under pressure. The home side absorbed early attacks and slowly changed the momentum, with the forwards smashing play up the field. The visitors were suddenly on their own line and couldn’t prevent a sniping Archie Bent from taking the first try of the afternoon, converted by Will Turner. This was soon followed by a mesmerising run by Jerry Qasenivalu who left all of the defence standing to take the second try of the game, converted by Will Turner. Stafford were throwing the ball all around the pitch and with sticky hands catching every pass, Leek were propelled into a desperate scrambling defence. An injury to Rob Jones minorly disrupted proceedings, before the County Town team focused in on the opposition line again. A few forays were repelled by strong Leek defence before Spencer Latham crashed across for a try, converted by Will Turner. The second twenty saw players being shuffled as the coaches gave everyone a game. The period was a much more even affair with both sides having their chances. A particularly chaotic period saw errors from both sides leaving the ball sitting openly available. Will Turner reacted quickest picking up and haring off down the line for a try, which he then converted. Leek then started to find some success with an effective pick and go which earned the visitors their first try of the afternoon before the referee signalled the halfway point in the encounter.

The third period saw the teams’ changing ends and Stafford were charging towards the sounds of the musical entertainment on the back pitches. Leek continued with the momentum of the second period and some crisp handling culminated in a second visiting try. The teams continued to trade blows with Stafford fighting their way back into contention with a series of kicks and carries. With a line out deep in opposition territory, safe Stafford hands secured possession and Alex Rock weaved past a standing defence for the final home side try of the afternoon, converted by Connor McCulloch. In an evenly matched period, Leek closed out the third part with a try of their own to haul back the deficit. The final period saw some tired legs and tackles from both teams. Stafford rained down kicks on their opposite numbers with a fair degree of success. Injuries to Gurman Seehra and Will Turner led to further changes for the home XV. Leek were reduced to fourteen for the remainder of the game when a red card was shown for a needless incident in a decently contested game. It was left to the travelling North Staffordshire squad to have the last word of the game with a converted try to close off an enjoyable encounter.