Stafford U17 Colts 45 Vs 7 Barton Under Needwood U17s

So, no Sunday rugby this weekend, but a Friday night under the lights and a chance for the U17s to take on another U17 team.
The match started with a slight cross wind and after the early to and frow, Stafford stole a lineout through Ben W, Liam made the most of the turnover breaking through the line for a good gain. Ben J was on hand to recycle the ball, Tyler almost went over from short range, the ball though was recycled quickly again, Theo moved the ball on Dara put a miss pass in to get the ball wide to Xiggy who had joined the line from fullback, he straightened and put Josh N in at the corner (5-0 missed conv).
Barton came straight back and only some good tackling and some good work to keep a penalty in play by Xiggy saw Stafford regain some territory.
As Stafford again looked to clear, Liam again made a break, the pop ball went loose and the recycle saw Will get close to the line. The ball again was recycled and Dara would put Tyler into space, the winger taking his opposite number in and out before crossing the line untouched. (12-0 Xiggy conv).
We didn’t have to wait for the next score, Barton kicked right to Ben J who moved the ball quickly, Ben W popped up in the centres and showed good pace to make a break, he in turn fed Tyler who had stayed wide and the winger got within 5 metres of the line, popping the ball up to Will who had tracked the play and would go over for the try. (19-0 Xiggy conv).
The game started to get a little scrappy with loose balls being tidied up by Alan and Alfie. Eventually the Colts again settled with a number of phases in their own half creating space for Ben W to make another break, he straightened and gave Josh N the ball in space and the 9 playing on the wing , stepped and accelerated to get another try. (26-0 Xiggy conv).
There were no further tries in the first half but some resolute defence with the Ben J & W making some big tackles and forcing turnovers.
The second half saw Frazer make an early impression with a big carry and in defence Harry (in at 12) coming up with two tackles. However , the team were giving away to many penalties and eventually it led to a try for the visitors. (26-7)
The pack came straight back and turned over the Barton carrier as they looked to get back in the game. Dara and Harry straightened, fed Xiggy who with a 2 on 1 in front of him, did a little pump show and go before going over in the corner. (31-7 missed conv).
Stafford looked to have scored again when the pack rumbled the ball up the field with good carries from Ben J and Theo, the ball went into space and Josh N was held up over the line. Barton restarted from their own line, the ball cleanly caught by Harry who popped to the sprinting Liam who went over from 25 yards out with a step, bounce and acceleration. (38-7 Harry conv).
Barton kept pushing for a second score and looked to have caused Xiggy real problems with a well placed kick, the full back stepping two to get out of his try area before the ball was cleared and Stafford with good chasers soon had a turnover. The ball went down the line with simple hands, Josh N put the ball back inside to Ben W to make another break into the opposing half, the ball was recycled short of the line, where it was popped up to the oncoming James D who powered over for the final try (45-7 Harry conv)
It was a good result and display from the U17s who were without the wider squad to pick from, there were some players playing out of position but it showed the determination of the team to get the job done and how hard they worked for each other.
MOTM Josh N on the wing was excellent in defence closing down, tackling and helping his back three in getting rid of ball when needed. In attack he took his tries really well and was unlucky to not finish with a hattrick.
Def OTM Dara – made some big tackles in the centre of the pitch and led the defensive line really well, making sure that players were in the right positions.
So on we go to a double header this week. Burntwood away and Newport in the league. I know the weather is poor at the moment and people have plenty going on , but please get down to training, we have the league and the plate to play for and the season is galloping along as we are already in mid February.