Stafford A XV 17 – 14 Hereford 2nd XV

Stafford A XV welcomed Hereford 2nd XV to Coopers Park for the second league match of the season. Both teams were unbeaten in their previous game and it promised to be a competitive afternoon of rugby.

The visitors shrugged off their lengthy travel and spent the first ten minutes of the game camped next to Coopers Park patio trying to work their way over the try line. The home side were fierce in defence and anything that appeared in front of them was bought crashing to the ground. The county town team started to build some momentum, before an over exuberant tackle earned an unfortunate red card, leaving a fourteen-man side for the remainder of the game. Hereford responded with some good rugby but every time they were through the amber and black swarmed over the ball. Stafford went into half time drawing 0-0 but having shown tenacity against superior numbers.

Having had time to catch their breath a rejuvenated Stafford stepped up the tempo at the beginning of the second half. Hereford repelled a couple of likely assaults before the ball found its way to Dan Watts for the first try of the afternoon, converted by Alex Rock. Stafford were threatening from all areas of the field and the Hereford response earned the visitors a yellow card to even up the numbers on the pitch. The pace was relentless with Rob McIver finishing a series of phases by scoring an excellent try through a battling defence. Stafford finished the period with a third try when a flying Alex Rock crashed past the opposition to stretch a sudden lead. With a full team back on the pitch Hereford assumed control with a converted try of their own to eat into the home side tally. The next testing attack from the visitors saw Stafford conceding a penalty try and temporarily reducing the home side to thirteen from the mandatory yellow card which followed. Stafford defended like demons and although they dominated the territory. Hereford couldn’t find a way through. With time ticking away the visitors managed to exploit tired legs and with men over the ball flew down the line for Hereford to crash across the line for a try. Then to the relief of the Coopers Park faithful, the referees whistle blew shrilly to signal a forward pass and then signalled the end of a dazzling second half of rugby.

Next Matches;
Ladies XV; Friday 1st October Away vs Bournville Ladies 2nd XV; 7.30pm kick off.
1st XV; Saturday 2nd October Home vs Moseley Oak; 3pm kick off.
A XV: Saturday 2nd October Away vs Birmingham Medics XV; 3pm kick off.
Bulldogs: Saturday 2nd October Home vs Wednesbury 2nd XV; 3pm kick off.