Stafford 12 vs 36 Lichfield U18s

After last weeks big improvement in both games, it was disappointing to lose the Friday fixture. So, to Sunday we go, a home fixture against Lichfield, who do things a little different to us. They tend to keep the younger team in the ‘developmental’ team and the seniors go as the league team.
Stafford with a mix (predominately senior), were greeted by a strong wind and a sunny afternoon at Blackberry Lane, unfortunately some of the positivity from last week was sinking away prior to kick off in the demeanour of some of the players, and that carried on at times into the game.
Some though were up for this game and both Dylan and Danail looked sharp from the off with good carries and counter rucking. It was a pity then despite Stafford holding their own at the scrum that Lichfield would take the lead after a number of phases. (0-5)
Then came a mix of positives and negatives, silly penalties and free kicks for basic errors prevented further progress, however after Lichfield tried to antonigise Cayden, it was good to see him keep his head and the penalty was turned around. Lichfield though moved the ball down the field after Stafford were penalised for dropping a ruck and extended their lead (0-12).
Stafford would respond and after a good touch finder from a penalty by Dylan, Ellis made a half break and the ball was recycled by the forwards quickly, it meant the defence was caught out of shape and Jack skipped through to score. (5-12)
It looked like Stafford were growing into the game and Leon made a good break from the kick off and was well supported by Danail, the only probl;em being the two were isolated and Lichfield were awarded a penalty. The Stafford heads seemed to drop and Lichfield was extend their lead by scoring three quick tries before half time (5-29)
The second half started with another Lichfield score that effectively sealed the game (5-36), Stafford though with a number of changes kept pushing, and trying to play the game. Jonah counter rucked well and Ashton would take two scrums against the head to top off a really good performance by the hooker.
This platform at the scrum would provide a good base centrally and Jack would make a break into the Lichfield half, 3 phases of continued pressure and sensible rugby would see the ball move right and a long pass out to Freddie saw the full back (whose work had in the main been defensive) , scoot over for a try which Dylan would convert (12-36).
Despite the push , Finn H would be yellow carded for a high tackle and the 14 players would be unable to add to their tally. However , they also defended well and prevented any further scores.
So a mixed bag, a game that came and went, simple errors like being in front of the kicker and dummying throws were picked up on and swung decent field positions.
High tackles inn both halves gave easy outs for the visitors and when given the chance to clear our lines, we chose to run.
Take the lessons, now challenge yourself to build on it and learn.
To end on a positive note, a number of the older Colts have opted in to play senior rugby next weekend and we wish them all the best and will keep tabs on how they get on.
As for the colts, they play Lichfield again (B Team effectively) this coming Sunday at home.