Stafford 2nd XV travelled to the Elfyn Pugh Memorial Ground for a friendly match against Willenhall 2nd XV. The hosts were always strong opposition and no travelling team would expect an easy game at the Bognop Road fortress. Stafford travelled with a decent sized squad, which was bolstered by the addition of a number of last-minute availability to pad out the experience on the bench. A strong sun bathed the ground but was overshadowed by a gusting wind which was blowing down the pitch.

Both teams came out swinging and some traditional brutality opened up proceedings. The wind was working for the visitors and some early kicking proved useful in securing territory. But the hard-working hosts dealt with what was being thrown at them to run the ball back into the game. Stafford eased into another gear with their own running game which stretched the opposition defence across the field. The visiting pack were doing well to blunt the Willenhall bludgeon and slowly clawed their way to within sight of the try line. A strong break by Ethan Hollins ripped open a hold and a fleet footed Angus Lennon took the ball to dot down for a try. Willenhall responded by marching the ball around the pitch, but couldn’t find their way through an ever-alert County Town defence. The referees whistle signalled the end of the first twenty and the teams gratefully collapsed into a water break. The hosts came into the second twenty minutes with a new purpose and Stafford were forced into an immediate defence. Urged on by the baying sideline, Willenhall ran some punishing lines. The younger members of the travelling XV had to shake off some brutal hits and then throw their bodies back into shuddering tackles. The defence remained solid as the Blackberry Lane XV worked tirelessly for each other. Willenhall came close but couldn’t bully their way across the final few yards. As the effort eventually sapped the strength out of attacking legs, Stafford were primed for the counter. Securing possession, the visiting XV ran and battered their way down the pitch leaving defenders strewn in their wake. With the ball whipping across the pitch some lightning passing allowed Finleigh Higgins to cruise across the line for a try, converted by Misa Veramu. It was Willenhall who closed the period gaining their reward through a try. Stafford went into half time leading 7 – 12 but having to face the gusting wind for the remainder of the game.

Both teams took the opportunity to cycle through their bench and different players were bought into key positions. It bought immediate benefits for the hosts when an early converted try put them in the driving seat with a two-point lead. The subsequent re start added to the misery when it didn’t go ten and Willenhall eagerly took a scrum on half way. As bodies tired or new players settled minor mistakes started to creep into the play. Both sides were on the wrong side of some refereeing decisions which created a slightly disjointed period. A Willenhall penalty kick could have added to the scoreline but it couldn’t find its way through the uprights before the referee’s whistle signalled the end of the third quarter. The final quarter was a more joined up affair as both teams found the energy to look for the win. The minor mistakes were still there but the teams seized them to create opportunities in attack. With the teams quite evenly matched it looked to be descending into a stalemate. But in a slightly confused period, a Stafford mistake was seized by Willenhall who looked to have grounded the ball. However, there was no response from the referee’s whistle and the hosts rightly proceeded with the run of play to cross the line for a try, extending their lead. The final few minutes saw a flurry of activity from the visiting XV who went looking for the equalising seven points. Despite some very decent rugby the home side defence were too composed to allow any serious momentum to build into a threatening attack. The referee’s whistle sounded shrilly across the field to end what had been an entertaining afternoon of rugby.

Next 2nd XV Match: Saturday 26th September, Shrewsbury 2nd XV. Away League. KO 15.00.