Sat 2 Dec 2023
Stratford RFC vs Worcester 2nd December
Stratford 1st XV played host to Worcester at Pearcecroft this Saturday with a big crowd gathered to celebrate Sponsors Day, to say thanks to all those who support the club. Hopes were high for an exciting fixture – temperatures, however, were not – a thick blanket of fog covered the ground and the mercury fail to rise much above freezing.
The Worcester players weren’t deterred by the conditions, starting off with prolonged pressure in the Stratford half, only to be relieved by a Charlie Powell intercept which saw the winger traverse both 22s to score unopposed. Vice-Captain Dan Whitby adding the extras to give Stratford a 7-0 lead against the run of play.
Worcester quickly returned to dominating field position earning 2 quick penalties inside the first 15 minutes of the game, reducing Stratford’s lead to 7-6. In a back-and-forth period of play Whitby slotted 2 penalties to re-establish a 7 point margin and when Stratford finally managed to secure some territory, a well-constructed set of phases led to a penalty which saw blindside flanker Angus Wightman go over from short range taking the score to 20-7.
Worcester, determined to give little quarter, struck back with a strong driving maul of their own before a well-timed ball in midfield saw Whitby carve a hole in the defence for try which he duly converted on the stroke of half time. The hosts leading 27-13 at the break.
Worcester again, started the second half well, a big hit and turnover inside Stratford’s red zone was rewarded with a try to close the gap to seven, 27-20. However, this was the last time Worcester would trouble the scorers. The Pearcecroft men regrouped quickly and began to find their stride. Fast hands gave Powell his second of the game down the left flank, again ably converted by Whitby: 34-20.
A smart Nathan Geekie kick was finished neatly by Andy Oliver, showing his footballing skills to dribble the ball down the touchline and the metronomic Whitby once again adding the extras with the boot to move the score to 41-20. The Black and Whites were now firing on all cylinders and replacement back row Oli Thorneywork bagged his first try for the club, again converted, further pushing out the advantage to 48-20.
Stratford showed their ruthless side and scored twice more before the final whistle through Michael Dawes and eventual Player of the Match Dan Whitby who converted both taking his tally for the day to 10/10 goals as well as a brace of tries, amassing an impressive 32 points. Final score 62-20.
The 2nd XV also played their role in a great weekend for the club, securing a 65-5 win against neighbours Alcester, featuring an Ajay Witherford hattrick. Next week, the 1st XV will look to continue their now 5 match winning streak away at Ludlow, while the 2nd XV travel to Alcester in a return fixture.
Stratford RFC have 3 men’s teams that train at Pearcecroft on Loxley Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30 and there is a very successful ladies touch rugby section. Both sections are always recruiting and would be delighted to welcome new players, so if you are interested, please get in touch.
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