Stafford 43 – 12 Veseyans

Stafford colts welcomed Veseyans to the County Ground for the third league game of the season. This was a new fixture with neither team having met previously. A warm and sunny day provided some excellent weather for a good afternoon of rugby. The match started with a minute’s silence for former players & long-time club members Chic Morrice, Dai Bryant and John Perry all of whom had passed away recently.

Very early Stafford pressure built a solid platform to release Sam Bristow to score his first senior try and give the home side an early lead. The team continued to build momentum with slick passing and a flying Sam Bristow crossed the line for his second try, converted by Lewis Cantrill. There was no stopping Stafford or the marauding wing and the hat trick was soon in the bag as Sam Bristow took his third, converted by Lewis Cantrill. A savage charge by Tom Taylor smashed open the room for Sam Robbins to score in the corner, converted by Lewis Cantrill. Stafford went into half time leading 26 – 0 and thoroughly in control of a strong opposition.

The second half gave Stafford the opportunity to make several changes making use of their squad. A yellow card saw the county side temporarily reduced to fourteen on the pitch and Veseyans took full advantage to snatch an unconverted try. With a full squad back on the pitch Stafford resumed their dominance and a strong run by James Finlayson broke through several tackles for the next try, converted by Lewis Cantrill. A second yellow saw Stafford back to fourteen but the home side response was a try from Finlay Jenkinson. Anthony Smith was causing havoc to the visitor’s defence with his immense tackling but Veseyans didn’t stop competing and got their reward through a converted try. With the final whistle about to be blown, Gregor Lennon crashed across for the final try of the afternoon.