Stafford 49 – 17 Wolverhampton

This year’s Staffordshire Colts cup quarter final saw a rerun of last year’s final between Stafford and Wolverhampton colts. A bright April Sunday saw a good crowd travelling to the County Ground to enjoy an entertaining high quality rugby contest.

The opening exchanges in the game saw both sides testing each other, looking for any advantage in an evenly balanced match. It was Wolverhampton who broke the deadlock as they scored the first try of the afternoon. The home side responded with periods of excellent pressure and two penalty kicks from Lewis Cantrill ate into the visitor’s early lead. Stafford started to dominate possession, creating space and testing the visiting defence. Wolverhampton defended strongly but couldn’t keep a flying Ollie Greensill from crossing the line for a try and the lead, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Stafford continued to mount the pressure and a second try quickly followed as Gregor Lennon muscled his way across the line, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Just before half time Wolverhampton struck back with a try of their own. Stafford went into half time ahead 20 – 12 and looking comfortably in control of the game.

The second half saw the county town colts continuing the pressure and converting possession to points. Harry Brogan was the first to cross the line after a securing the ball from a line out on the 5-metre line. Ben Chatfield was next on the score board as Stafford started to dominate possession, rapidly followed by a second try for Gregor Lennon, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Wolverhampton continued to fight hard but couldn’t prevent Gregor Lennon scoring his third try of the game, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Stafford’s last points of the afternoon came from Will Turner who crossed the line for the final home side score. Wolverhampton scored a late consolation try to reward the endeavour that they showed throughout the match.
Stafford now face an away fixture at Walsall in the Semi Finals.