Ledbury 24 – 38 Stafford

Stafford colts travelled to Herefordshire for the second league match of the season against Ledbury. The teams previously met during the 2015/16 season where Ledbury grabbed the bragging rights with a comprehensive win.

Ledbury started strongly, feeding on the home field advantage and earning an early penalty. A quick tap saw the home side crossing the line before Stafford could organise their defence with the conversion establishing the first points of the game. The visitor’s response was immediate, the forwards driving deep into the home side half, securing a solid platform for Finlay Jenkinson to score an equalising try, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Ledbury wrestled the lead back with an unconverted try. Stafford continued to build momentum, slick passing found No 8 Tom Taylor on the wing who used all of his pace to run in the try from a considerable way out. The visitors were starting to cause havoc amongst the defence, Tom Taylor and Gregor Lennon combining to release flying full back Gabriel Christelow to score the third try, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Stafford went into half time leading 12-19 but fighting hard against a fighting Ledbury performance.

Stafford continued their dominance from the whistle which heralded the start of the second half. Ferocious forward play saw Tom Taylor scoring two more tries to claim his hat trick, the second converted by Lewis Cantrill. The restart saw the ball being carried deep into the Ledbury half, Gregor Lennon muscling his way across the line for a try, converted by Lewis Cantrill. With only five minutes to go passions spilt over and both sides were reduced to fourteen on the pitch. This disrupted the Stafford momentum with Ledbury taking full advantage to score two tries, one converted and finish a spirited game of rugby.