Stafford Colts filled in a blank league fixture weekend by traveling to Dudley Kingswinford for a friendly.

Stafford made a sluggish start to the game and DK took full advantage by exploiting some slack defending out wide to run in a try on the right wing after only 2 minutes. The much bigger DK pack tried to dominate the Stafford pack but the lads stepped up defensively and half way through the 2nd half Stafford started to get on top. Sustained pressure on the DK line resulted in a goal line dropout as Stafford were held up over the line, but the Stafford pack would not be denied and Oliver Stockle finally forcing his way over the line from short range. James Milan added the conversion from in front of the posts. First half ending with a score line of 5 – 7 to Stafford

Stafford were the much better side in the 2nd half and had the majority of the territorial advantage as the big DK pack tired. Stafford had a number of chances from close range from 5m line-outs but handling errors and a lack of composure when in simple scoring positions prevented them from adding to the half time score. DK defended very well but could not get themselves out of their own half. But despite all the territorial advantage Stafford were unable to score a 2nd try. With time running out Stafford were awarded a very kick-able penalty which looked like James Milan had converted only for it to hit the post and DK were able to clear.

Although the final result was a win for Stafford 5-7 It was a very frustrating game for the Colts who dominated the match, especially in the 2nd half. There were some notable performances, especially in defense with the likes of Harry Phillips, who filled in a full back in the first half, leading from the front. Finley Evans, Hugo Sutton, Alfie O’Brian and Adam Smith, who came off the bench for the 2nd half, were also stand out performers.

All things considered it was a good performance from Stafford Colts against a big DK side. Defensively, apart from the slow start, Stafford were good and there are things to work on in attack especially when they are in the opposition 22. However, the lads looked like they enjoyed themselves and they are starting to bond as a team which is nice to see. Keep working hard lads and let’s get some more down for training so we can work on those attacking patterns.

Mark