Sat 25 Nov 2023
For the second time in the month of November Stratford made the trip to Malvern in a bid to continue their form building winning streak. With no doubt of the conditions putting the game in jeopardy, both teams traded early blows in trying to find the chink in the armour that would open the scoring. Stratford conceded an early penalty and Malvern opted to kick for a lineout, the defence held firm to the barrage of carries but an unlucky interception attempt in the 22 left a simple 2 on 1 for Malvern’s winger to capitalize on and score in the corner. Conversion missed 5-0 and early advantage to the hosts.
Stratford eager to right their wrong continued to apply significant pressure to the hosts following the kickoff making life very difficult for a clean exit. Impressive defensive and break down work saw the referee award a penalty to Stratford which Vice-Captain Dan Whitby slotted reducing the gap to 5-3.
The away team worked the pitch well by playing rugby in the right areas and applying considerable force to the gain line in both attack and defence. It was only a short amount of time before the Warwickshire side were over the try line with a score. A rampant run from Captain Tom ‘Slug’ Stanley created chaos in the retreating Malvern line gaps appeared, prop wannabe Angus Wightman took advantage in finishing the run, 5-8.
Stratford continued to apply momentous pressure to the Malvern team who are well known in taking teams apart if given the space. Following multiple phases and strong carries across the team saw pocket rocket Jonny Smith carve a beautiful line scoring a well created try, conversion successful, 5-15. This score sparked the wounded Malvern team into life with strong carries from their main ball carriers in a bid to change the balance of power in the game. However, this effort was not enough to break the resilient and strong defence from the Stratford team who repelled over 15 phases of effort from the hosts.
Keen to finish the half on a high, Stratford continued to move play around and a well worked backline play saw evergreen Jo Cook with room to pull strings and create space for former colt George Fox to score, conversion missed half time score 5-20.
Refreshed and rejuvenated following a half time orange and refreshment Stratford started the second half in the same manner as they finished the first half. Rugby Idol Jack Young finished off a wonderful counter attacking move putting the game even further out of reach of the Spa Town hosts.
More tries were on order for the Bards who continued to display great game management with smart kicking and a suffocating defensive effort never allowing the dangerous Malvern team room to challenge the score board.
Stratford were still able to take their opportunities when given to them, young Jake Lowe targeting a tired defence carved his way through before finding Dan Whitby who didn’t need a second invitation to finish the run taking the score to 5-30. The final score for Stratford came from second row work horse James Walton who scored his first try for the club, conversion successful final score 5-37 and move to 6th in the table.
The 2s were involved in a high scoring game which would have pleased the attacking coaches of both teams but not so for the defence coach. Stratford lost 30-47 in an entertaining encounter against Daventry despite a hat trick of tries from returning number 8 Si Greenwood.
This coming week sees a super Saturday feel at the club with both the first and second teams hosting Worcester and Alcester at fortress Pearcecroft 2.15pm kick off.
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 teams are always recruiting and would be delighted to welcome new players, so if you are interested, please do get in touch.
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