Sat 29 Oct 2022
Bumper crowd enjoys a feast of rugby at Fortress PearcecroftA large and partisan crowd were treated to a classic ‘two win Saturday’ in bright autumn sunshine on Saturday. Firstly, Stratford Legends graced the pitch with a poignant memorial game versus an Old Leamintonian side, in honour of former player Paul Withers who sadly passed away suddenly earlier this year following a brief illness. Many of Paul’s old teammates and friends from both clubs joined his family in celebration of his life and love for the game.The Legends put on a fine display of ‘Barbarian style‘ rugby eventually running out close winners 24 points to 19, although the true result was the camaraderie from players and spectators alike that epitomises the rugby community.The 1st XV took to the pitch buoyed by the Legends team victory and the exuberant crowd, against a strong Crewe side whom they were meeting for the first time in many seasons following league reorganisation. The game started in understandable fashion with both teams getting the feel of the game and testing their styles of play, Stratford opened the scoring courtesy of winger Dan Whitby following quick ball from a well-executed driving maul, with the conversion missed Crewe immediately hit back with an unconverted try of their own. Despite continued pressure from the hosts it took a try from centre Nathan Geekie to take the score to 10-5 at half time.The second half saw Stratford playing into a stiff breeze, but the ever-improving set piece play from the pack at scrum and line out saw the ball once again in Geekie’s hands to drive over the line near the posts, with the extras added by Gwil Davis. Following a further try for the home side from scrum half Jordan Baker, Crewe again improved their score with a penalty taking the score to 22-8.A yellow card for the Crewe second row for illegal use of the hands in a ruck, and Stratford upped the ante and a further converted try for Captain and hooker Tom Stanley saw Stratford seemingly enter a comfort zone and a charge down on the home 5 metre line saw Crewe score again, and sensing an opportunity to gain parity began to run the ball from depth , however a spilled pass led to winger Max Haines to fly hack through with scrum half Baker to win the foot race to score near the posts, taking the score to 32-13.With what was to be the last play of the game a strong run from the Crewe back row player saw him bulldoze his way through the tiring defence to score out wide. The conversion missed, the referee brought an end to proceedings with the final score Stratford 32 - Crewe and Nantwich 18.The Dick Workman man of the match was awarded to skipper Tom Stanley for his tireless work rate for the full 80 minutes.Next week sees the Black and Whites on the road for the relatively short trip to Droitwich, with an earlier kick off time of 2:15pm, all support is welcomed.
