Camphill 57 Vs Stafford 28

After the highs of last weekend, it was going to be a tough follow up visit to Camphill and having left rainy Stafford, it was a surprise to all to be greeted by a bright blue sky and summer like sunshine. The pitch was in good condition and with almost no wind it was perfect conditions for rugby.
With 35 players available, it was agreed that 3 x 25 min periods were best for all concerned.
It was clear from the kick off that the home team were happy to move the ball quick from wing to wing and to avoid any arm wrestles at the breakdown. With an early knock on after some good Stafford possession, Camphill went to the left and recycled, going quickly then to the right and back to the left, they found space and the winger (who would pose a threat all afternoon) went in to open the scoring (5-0).
Stafford though responded with good carries from Ethan and Cayden but it was one off carrier’s that soon saw the ball stripped and the building pressure released. Stafford with the returning Jude in the centres, the defence put pressure on the home team backs, the ball went loose and the quickest to react was Marley, who picked up and accelerated through to put Stafford into the lead (5-7 Will B conv).
This lit a fire under the home team, the ball being moved again wing to wing and it soon gave space for the home team to kick through into the try area, the pressure on Marley and Leon, who between them covered really well, was enough to force a scrum 5 metres out. Despite great defence by Jack, Dylan and Jonah, the try would be scored on the 5th attempt. (10-7).
Stafford were being caught out by the pace and accuracy of the hands between forwards and backs, each player straightening, setting and giving. This pace led to a quick third try (17-7).
Stafford tried to fight back and the home teams fourth try would come as Stafford managed to get a foothold in the game, the forwards had made good ground into the opposition half and set a good platform for the backs, a dummy scissors set the defence and the hole was available for Jude to crash through, unfortunately there was a knock on , and the ball sat up invitingly for the opposing backs who went in untouched (24-7).
It as a tough first 1/3 for the Colts, changes were made and early carries from Farai and Mason soon got Stafford on the front foot, only for penalties again to be given away as players got isolated. Stafford found themselves turned around and defending the line again with Tyler and Connor both putting big tackles in to prevent a further score.
Although Stafford cleared their lines, Owen, Elijah, Logan and Morgan were all having to make tackles to prevent Camphill from opening up again. Eventually though the defence didn’t drift enough and the opposing fly half went thru to continue the scoring. (31-7)
The home team would then score two more tries in as many minutes as head dropped and the pace of the game seemed to quick for some. (38-7 / 45-7)
As the pace slowed a little, Ed and Rich Austin playing in the centres together started to make some ground and further Farai and Mason carries got close to the line. Ed found half a gap but was also stopped short as Stafford pressed for a second try. Again, a penalty against the visitors stopped any score, and as they turned and slowly retreated 10, the home team tapped and went from near their own line and went the length of the pitch untouched. (52-7)
Now in junior rugby last year this game would have ended at the end of that third. In Colts, it carries on. The message was clear, the game had gone, but where was the pride and where was passion to get something out of it.
As the final third started, that pride was clearly on display. A Leon break from the centres saw a high tackle by the defence and Elijah kicked to the corner. Although the lineout wasn’t clean, Jack got hold of the ball and was stopped just short of the line. The ball was recycled and Elijah (in at 10) ran a lovely line, dummied his opposite number and went through to score, (52-14 Elijah conv)
Camphill responded and it was end to end stuff by both teams, Jonah stole the ball on his own line and Elijah and Leon cleared their lines well. Ellis finally got the ball wide and also made good ground, eventually Camphill got enough ball to go wide left , then right and scored again (57-14)
The forwards weren’t giving up and big carries by Ashton , Ethan and a Mason (Dummy included) again got the Stafford pack into the 22 and Mason again got himself in a good position to drive over the line. (57-21 Elijah conv).
At the restart the ball didn’t travel 10 and Stafford were awarded the scrum on halfway. Ellis made good yardage out wide and as the recycled ball came, Stafford themselves would go wide, Leon set his man and passed to Jude who with Owen outside him, beat his defender and went in to finish off a tough day at the office. (57-28 Elijah conv)
Although it wasn’t the score line we had hoped for, some players really shone and put their hands up for the upcoming fixtures. It was also a valuable lesson regarding a drift defence and how you stop a team that plays at pace and from deep.
So, we move on, with games against Longton and Moseley next weekend, lets train well and refocus the attentions as this is what pre-season is about. It’s about finding combinations, working out balances in various positions, seeing where there is depth and figuring out who can cover when players are unavailable. I have confidence that both teams no matter who will be playing in either fixture, will put on displays that we can be proud of.