Stafford 35 Vs Walsall 27

Firstly, a big congrats to all the lads that played on Saturday over at Burton in the short match tournament, going unbeaten and bringing home the silverware was a great effort and certainly set the tone for Sunday afternoon, and our first home game of the (albeit pre-season) season.
So, to Sunday, a dry, mild and cloudy afternoon saw 36 players (on pitchero) on the Stafford side, four quarters of time, two refs and similar numbers for the visiting Walsall team, this was going to be an interesting game.
With a high kickoff not being dealt with by the Stafford pack, Walsall were immediately on the front foot, however the Stafford defence was up to the immediate task and soon cleared their lines. The high pace and tempo would soon lead to a number of penalities as tackles went high and over eagerness at the breakdown moved the visitors down the field. The visitors were now in the Stafford 22 and with a scrum and around a 3rd in from touch saw a big blindside/open side to choose from. They indeed went blind and hands from the 8 to winger saw the outside player open the scoring (0-5).
Stafford looked to get back in the game and despite a good kick chase , penalties again would allow the visitors to move down the pitch. A scrum to Stafford near the halfway saw the ball squirt out from the Stafford side and quick hands from the Walsall backs extended their lead to 10. (0-10)
Stafford were undaunted by being two score down and again kept to kicking long, this time a knock on from the defending team saw a scrum awarded in a central position. Cayden picked and went from the back row and was stopped just short, Marley was in support and at 9, picked and went spying gap, only to knock it on over the goal line.
Penalties this time for back chat would release the pressure on Walsall and the ball was back in midfield.
Stafford were beginning to get the upper hand and good hands through the backs saw Marley get to the 22. Stafford then patiently built phases through crash balls and penalties, after going to the lineout following a penalty, it looked as if Stafford had lost the opportunity again having knocked on. At the scrum restart, Stafford took one against the head and after a short line, Marley went over to open his account at the end of the first quarter. (5-10 miss conv)
The second quarter as against Newport saw a raft of changes by both sides, but the intensity and commitment remained the same. Mason and Jonah were starting to carry well into contact and the pressure was kept on Walsall who looked to run it out of their own 22, only for Owen to cover and tackle the winger into touch. Further penalties were conceeded by the visitors and Stafford opted again for a lineout. This time the pack caught and drove for the line, being stopped short and forced out. The opportunity again seemed to have gone begging, only for an overthrow by the Walsall hooker, which landed straight into Danail hands, who from that distance didn’t get touched as he levelled the scores (10-10 missed conv).
At the restart Walsall went straight off their feet and Stafford went quick, Danail made great ground sitting a player down in the process. The hands were good out to Freddie in space only for the ref to call the play back.
Shortly after Danail was on a second rampage, this time he sat down the biggest Walsall player, much to the delight of the watching home crowd. Stafford were riding the wave and Elijah was feeling it at 10 as he dummied, stepped and made ground. A quick recycle and hands saw Freddie this time in space score to take the lead. (15-10).
Stafford continued to look danagerous and again made breaks through Farai and Finn Glasgow but those chances would be cut short by the half time whistle.
The third quarter saw the backs get more involved from the off, a tracker set Marley off and the try was finished off by Connor. (20-10 conv missed)
At the restart Marley who was now in a groove, chased hard and put the Walsall receivers under real pressure, Stafford recovered the ball and after a high tackle both Connor and Cayden looked to power over the line. Not for the first time, good Walsall defence and maybe some poor ball security saw the ball turned over and the kick out of defence got Stafford on their heels, a further kick and miscommunication saw Walsall with the chase, a further dribble and kick saw the visitors score a try from nowhere. (20-17)
Despite the set back Stafford were playing some lovely rugby as both forwards through Farai and Mason (with a dummy) again made ground and after a penalty was awarded to the home team, Morgan looked up, saw space and cross kicked for the on rushing Marley , only for the bounce of a rugby ball to deny a try.
Stafford were keeping the pressure on the visitors but gave away a penalty for sealing off, only for the referee to change their mind due to back chat from a visiting player. Dylan took the penalty quickly and Ethan took the ball at pace and powered over from around 10 metres out to extend the lead. (25-17 miss conv)
Walsall to their credit were still in the game, despite a good take by George at the restart, Stafford again were penalised and quick hands by the visitors saw them into the 22. A second penalty conceded by Stafford was tapped and again Walsall went wide to score. The score would bring the visitors within 1 point (25-24) and the game was up for grabs.
The final quarter and the pace and effort of the game was starting to show on some players and more gaps were opening up. It looked as if Stafford would continue the scoring as a quick taken penalty saw the forwards make ground , Elijah then put Jake in who took the decision to go for the line, only for the ball to be dislodged. Walsall looked to run it out and almost went the length again only for Elijah to track back and intercept the ball , snuffing out the attack.
Further Stafford opportunities went begging as knock ons , penalties and poor depth stagnated the score board. A Walsall penalty would tick it over and put the visitors ahead (25-27). But any chances of a try were stopped by Leon with a big hit.
The final try came as Stafford pushed into the 22 and following dissent and infringements by the visitors, the referee awarded a penalty try. (32-27)
It was anyone’s game as the minutes ticked away and after good defensive pressure, Stafford would move the ball via forward play and penalties down the field. A further penalty was awarded in the Walsall 22 and despite the lack of conversions by a host of Stafford players, penalty’s don’t seem to be an issue, Elijah as he had done the day before to win the cup, stepped up and knocked it over when it counted, extending the deficit to two scores (35-27) and with that, the first home win of the season.
Again, it was good to see the various combinations carry on building in the right direction, there are still build ons, some simple such as communication and discipline, others such as line speed, positioning and kicking will come, but only with practice. But with the league and development games coming thick and fast, this was another step in the right direction.
It was also pleasing that with 36 players getting game time, I reckon another 14 + players weren’t available, hopefully this squad can remain together over the season and the boys can get lots of rugby.