STAFFORD DEVELOPMENT vs. HANDSWORTH 2nd XV. 28th February 2015.

Handsworth 10 – 27 Stafford

Stafford Development took the short trip to Handsworth for an anticipated league fixture. The County Ground side were looking to continue their winning ways on the road and chasing down the second place finish in the Merit Table.

Stafford started the brighter of the two team exerting all of the early pressure. They reaped their reward when a turn over allowed Ben Richards to cross the line for a try, Callum Heath adding the conversion. Stafford continued to push hard on a difficult playing surface, the recent rainfall causing problems for both sides. A handful of penalties allowed Handsworth back into the game as they went down the pitch to even the score. Stafford struck back, just before half time, as some good works allowed Shaun Bickley to push over the line for a try.

Stafford came roaring out into the second half, playing down field and building on the momentum gained in the first half. Handsworth struggled to defend against a marauding Stafford and couldn’t contain Shaun Bickley as he crossed the line for his 2nd try of the afternoon. Further tries from Phil Dewick and Matt Parton saw Stafford get the bonus point needed to push for second place in Staffordshire merit league.