Stafford 2nd’s travelled up to Leek this past weekend for the second merit league fixture of the campaign. With the superb win at home against a strong Longton side the week before they were looking to continue the season with another victory.

Stafford opened the scoring in the first ten minutes, the forwards dominating a passage of play allowing Loz Hobb to squeeze through for the first try of the game. Leek were playing to their strengths using the boot to make distance up field, however Stafford countered by wining clean line out ball and working themselves back into position again. On 20 minutes the Leek side did manage to score a converted try which took them into a narrow lead. Stafford continued to dominate at the line out, Ross Norton setting the platform for the catch and drive. Gaz O’Connor took full opportunity to punch a hole in the Leek back line and excellent support play by Norton saw him running in from 20 metres out unopposed, Chris Newell adding to the points with the conversion. Stafford continued with the pressure and just before the half time whistle Rich Whatling made it 7 – 17 in Stafford’s favour

Leek started the second half with more determination placing Stafford on the back foot. It wasn’t long before they managed to cross the line and a successful conversion narrowed the scores . This unsettled the travelling side who started to concede penalties, Leek drawing the scores level their second attempt. With the scores now equal, Stafford stepped up a gear, they began to ship the ball out wide and create the chances that had proved successful in the first 20 minutes. The pace soon took its toll on the Leek side and within a 5 minute spell Stafford’s Vinnie Hogan and Phil Dewick had both added to the score, Chris Newell adding a conversion. Stafford made a few changes and again it wasn’t long before they were pegging the Leek defence back. Further try’s from Sam Turton and Chris Newell gave the visitors a very comfortable lead. Leek never gave up and still looked to get points on the board, with 5 minutes left they had a good passage of play from both forwards and backs which resulted in a break away try for their winger to score under the post. Stafford weren’t done yet. As the referee signalled for the last passage of play, Vinnie Hogan took on his man to cap of a fine performance and score his second of the game. With Newell converting the referee whistle sounded and the game was over. 24 – 48 to Stafford.