Stafford colts arrived at Castlecroft to play Wolverhampton colts in a cup semi final and league match double header.
Stafford opened the scoring after 5 minutes when a clearance kick from full back Connor McCulloch was miss fielded by the Wolverhampton full back and the fast-approaching winger Owen Smith kicked the loose ball on, gathered and dived over the line. After that try Wolverhampton started to capitalise on some loose play from the Stafford forwards. A succession of penalties conceded in Stafford’s half saw Wolverhampton score a converted try from a 5-meter lineout drive and two converted penalties in front of the Stafford posts. Towards the end of the half Stafford regained their composure and after sustained pressure in the Wolverhampton 22 Archie Bent was able to feed Spencer Latham round the corner of a ruck for him to dive over for the 2nd of Stafford tries. The first half finished with Wolverhampton leading 13 – 10.
The second half started with both teams determined not to give territory to the opposition. Wolverhampton struggling to get their backs moving and Stafford trying to play forward dominated rugby in the middle of the pitch rather than closer to the opposition line. Eventually Stafford conceded more penalties which allowed Wolverhampton to put pressure on the Stafford line from where they scored a try out wide from a ruck. Wolverhampton then took the opportunity of a kickable penalty Infront of the Stafford posts. With 10 minutes to go the score was 21 – 10 to Wolverhampton. Stafford then changed tactics and started to kick behind Wolverhampton to gain territorial advantage. A quick tap penalty close to the Wolverhampton line saw Bed Dodd barge over for his 12th try of the season. This time Connor McCulloch was able to add the extra 2 points. With time running out Stafford made the opportunity to get into the Wolverhampton 22 but a forward got isolated and conceded a penalty for holding on and the moment to snatch a win was lost. Wolverhampton were able to see out time and won the game 21 -17
It was another very good display from the Stafford colts against a much-improved Wolverhampton side from earlier on in the season. Some over exuberance and loose play in the first half cost Stafford the match as they gifted Wolverhampton penalty and free kick possession which ultimately they were able to convert into points. The Wolverhampton back line threatened to break loose but determined defence from the Stafford backs supported by the rampaging wing forwards kept them scoreless. The Stafford forwards were more dominant than their Wolverhampton counterparts, but they got isolated at key times round the ruck area and ultimately did not turn pressure into points often enough.
Next time out it’s a league fixture away to Bridgenorth. Lets end the season with a couple of away league wins and see you all at training.
Mark