Shrewsbury 2nd XV v Stafford 2nds
They travelled to Shrewsbury this week looking to secure victory. There had been a few changes made within the side, yet this didn’t show as they ran out 31 – 7 victors.
Stafford took the lead early with a Tim Woolman penalty. David Wain then cross the line on the half hour to secure the first of the Stafford try’s for the afternoon, following a burst through the Shrewsbury defence from second row Pete Reynolds. Woolman then converted from close range to make it 10 point to nil.
As the second half commenced Stafford attacked with some fine lines of running. Within five minutes George Morrision cut inside his man, to race clear and score the first of his brace for the day.
Shrewsbury hit back and found good phases of rugby had put them in the Stafford twenty two. Stafford fell victim to a penalty decision and after it was taken quickly the ball was passed out to the Shrewsbury wing to score in the corner.
Some Seven minutes later, Morrison crossed over once more after the Shrewsbury defence was pushed back following some continued rucking from the Stafford forwards left them battered and bruised. Tim Woolman again stepped up to convert his third of the afternoon.
The Stafford team were not done yet. They continued to drive forward and take the game to Shrewsbury. The strength in numbers and support play shown, as they went close on many occasion. Rich Whatling took the ball on, Matthew Chalmers collected the ball from the resulting ruck and stepped inside his man to give a neat pop pass to Jon Hodgkins to slide in under the posts. Once more the boot of Woolman secured a further two points.