Stafford 1st XV 40 Burntwood 1st XV 10
STAFFORD 1st XV hosted lowly Burntwood in their latest Midlands 2 West (North) fixture and emerged deserved victors after a strong and determined display.
The Castlefields outfit set their stall out from the start with their style of attacking play and they applied continual pressure on the visitors.
Stafford opened the scoring on ten minutes when centre Dan Smith powered through following some excellent support play by the whole team.
When Burntwood did manage to get the ball, it was inevitably returned with interest by full back Nick Oxley, with some superb long raking kicks.
Stafford’s scrum was also getting the better of Burntwood, especially the front row of Matt Rowley, James Wilkinson and Tom May. After nicking a Burntwood scrum put-in, number eight Rich Whatling picked up and passed to Walklate for a second try, converted by John Green.
Burntwood, to their credit and led well by captain Graham Shelley, eventually got some momentum going and scored a converted try.
However, Stafford took control again and Oli Greatholder burst through for a try. Right on half-time, Green kicked a penalty.
It was much the same story in the second half and Smith scored his second try of the game following an excellent driving maul right through the heart of the Burntwood defence.
Burntwood did not give up, but Stafford again proved they can still play entertaining rugby even when under pressure.
In particular, Stafford’s back row of Carl Williams, Rich Whatling and Alex Reffell were outstanding with their tackling and work at the breakdown.
With the game drawing to a close, Stafford’s excellent scrum drove Burntwood back and Williams mauled the ball over for another try.
Tom Smith and Dan Duggan then combined to release Oxley who raced over for the final try, converted by Green. This Satursday, Stafford entertain Tamworth in the Staffs Cup quarter finals.
Stafford 4th XV emerged 36-14 winners against a lively and strong Linley 3rd XV, in their latest Merit fixture.
In an entertaining clash, Stafford’s tries were scored by Murray Watson, Bob Hobbs, Nic Scott, Malcolm Ainger, Dan Wasiuk, Ross Norton and captain Tim Crampton.
The experienced Hobbs led the forwards with guile and tenacity and was closely followed by second row Scott.
