Stafford 2nd XV were at home this week for an eagerly anticipated encounter against Cannock 1st XV. The hosts were having an excellent season with four wins out of four securing an early joint first place league position. Stafford however were hot on their heels with a solid three out of four wins. The early morning murk cleared for the sun to rightly shine down on Blackberry Lane.

Stafford started the game strongly with the initial play catching the settling Cannock napping. With only a few minutes gone, a marauding run by Oliver Osamant took the first try. The visitors settled and the teams started to trade possession in a relatively evenly matched period. Slowly the momentum turned and it was the Blackberry Lane XV with all the possession. Cannock defended well but couldn’t stop Frazer Watkins from taking the home sides second try. This was soon followed by a third as the ever-popular Gregor Lennon went across the line to mark his return from injury, converted by Tom Westwell. It was left to the visitors to close the half with a converted try of their own. Stafford went into half time leading 17 – 7 but having to guard against some sniping Cannock play.

Cannock continue to feed off the momentum and opened the second half with another converted try to cut the deficit to three points. Stafford continued to absorb the rugby being thrown at them and eventually started to turn the tide against their tiring opposition. With some slick passing Elijah Veramu found the space to run and crossed to secure the bonus point try. This was soon followed by some elusive stepping for James Brown to add to the tally, converted by Tom Westwell. The game then became a slight arm wrestle with neither side able to capitalise into any significant advantage. Just when the match ticked into its final few minutes and looked to be over, a final surge by Stafford kicked everything back into life. A composed James Durrant breaking the deadlock for the final try of the afternoon.

Next 2nd XV Match: Saturday 14th November, Trentham 2nd XV. Away League. KO 14.15.