Stafford Colts traveled to Walsall for the second league fixture of the season.

The Colts started well and put Walsall under a lot of pressure but were unable to put points on the board. Then against the run of play Walsall had a breakout from their own half and scored a try on the far-left hand touchline. Stafford hit back with a try of their own after 13 minutes when Finley Evans forced his way over from a short range penalty move. Walsall were reduced to 14 men as a result of the penalty infringement and Stafford piled on the pressure but after a succession of failed attempts to get over the try line took the 3 points instead from infront of the posts, Henry Ralphs taking the kick. When Walsall were restored to their full compliment they put some pressure on the Stafford side and scored their 2nd try under the posts which was converted and the first half finished 12 – 8 to the home side.

Stafford started the second half with a bang when from the kick-off the ball was passed wide and found back row Dan Poultney on the wide outside at half way, he out sprinted the Walsall defenders and dotted down under the posts. However, the try was wiped off as the Walsall touch judge put his flag up after the try had been scored for a foot in touch, much to the annoyance of the Stafford coaches. Then after 16 minutes Walsall scored a third converted try following some weak Stafford defending in their own 22. Being down 19 – 8 with 15 minutes of the game remaining Stafford ramped up the pressure and hooker Colton Mclaughlin forced himself over from close range. The Stafford side had their tails up and Walsall were defending their own line stoically, but with time running out Stafford took an improvised penalty move 5 yards from the Walsall line and Dan Poultney dotted down. With the conversion being the difference between winning or loosing the game Henry Perks stepped up and slotted the ball through the posts for a well-deserved Stafford win. The game finished 19 – 20 to Stafford Colts.

This was a game that Stafford came very close to loosing due to some poor defensive work and individuals not sticking to the game plan that we work on in training. However, the team dug deep and never let their heads drop and fought for the win all the way to the final whistle so they got the right result in the end. Some things to work on ahead of the friendly fixtures next weekend, Friday at home against Burntwood and Sunday away at Dudley K. Well done lads keep working hard for each other and I will see you all at training.

Mark