Stafford started in a very determined and controlled manor preventing Wolverhampton from getting out of their own half in the first 10 minutes. The pressure forced Wolverhampton to concede numerous penalties at the ruck and Stafford took advantage through James Milan converting two of them for points, 6 – 0 to Stafford. After 22 minutes, following another Wolverhampton penalty, James kicked to the corner and from the resulting line-out Tom Kirby was able to organise the driving maul and force his way over for a try. James Milan then added the difficult conversion out wide. With time running out in the first half Stafford conceded a succession of penalties of their own which enabled Wolverhampton to venture into the Stafford half for virtually the first time in the match and score in the left hand corner. Half time arrived with the score being 13 – 7 to Stafford.

After a stern talking to at half time from head coach Dean Rodwell about control and keeping discipline Stafford were very determined to turn their dominance in the match into a points. Following another Wolverhampton penalty in mid field Stafford kicked for the corner where Wolverhampton infringed at the line-out, James Milan took a quick tap penalty and fed Tom Kirby who burst over from close range for his 2nd try of the game. Connor McCulloch, taking over the 2nd half kicking duties, added the difficult conversion. Wolverhampton then tried to take advantage of the wind at their backs and kick into the Stafford backfield. The kick was excellently fielded by Connor McCulloch and returned with interest, Dan Poultney showed great pace to emerge from the on-rushing Stafford attackers, picked up the bouncing ball and eventually dove over to score, having initially mistaken the 5 meter line for the try line. Connor McCulloch adding another superb conversion.

Wolverhampton scored a breakaway try of their own after 24 minutes of the second half with what looked like a forward pass, but it was not spotted by the referee and the try stood. With time running out James Milan spotted a gap in the Wolverhampton defense burst through it and popped the ball to an on-rushing Alfie O’Brien who showed excellent pace to make the line and dove over to score. With the final play of the match Stafford secured the bonus point win and the final score was 32 – 12.

It was an excellent win for Stafford following a run of disappointing defeats. They stuck to the game plan of playing tight and only going wide when they had earned the right or the opportunity presented itself. There were some notable performances from the likes of Connor McCulloch, James Milan, Tom Kirby, Spencer Latham, Alfie O’Brien and Gurman Seehra who deputies as the primary line-out jumper in the absence of Oliver Downe. Stafford were able to shut the threat of the Wolverhampton back line down and competed up front with combative Wolverhampton pack.

Well done lads on a first league win and lets carry the momentum forward into next weeks difficult league game against a strong Bridgenorth side.

See you all at training
Mark