A 29-strong Stafford Ladies squad took to the pitches at the County Ground on Sunday 30 January to kick off the first of the newly adapted format of the Inner Warrior Development League. Affectionately labelled the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the 3-way fixture concluded with wins for Belper Ladies, Kidderminster Carolians & the Stafford Ladies in a fantastic afternoon of rugby.

Stafford kicked off against a determined Belper who were keen to even the tally following their narrow defeat last October. The sharp winds were deceptive against the clear skies, contributing to a well fought battle for possession and territory during the first half of the match. With the Stafford Ladies mixing up positions and a number of debuts in the pack and back line, strong work in both defence and attack was required to hold the visitors in their own half for the first 12 minutes. With some strong carrying and driving play from the pack, Stafford scrum half Gill Farmery narrowly missed out on putting the first points on the board. A swift break and fast hands just outside of their 22 gifted Belper some respite and much needed territory before being charged down for a line out at the half way line. With the wind on their side, excellent support play and strong carries, Belper took the first points on the board through their Captain. The Stafford ladies were undeterred, despite some chaotic breakdowns and penalties conceded either way, the home squad held their own in the Belper half to close out at half time 0-5.

A pacey 2nd half opened with line breaks from both Belper and Stafford with a well fought battle around the break down. Stafford's defences were tightened, the pack faced up and pressed hard on a strong Belper line who were eager to push on for more points on the board. The Stafford ladies hunkered down, surged forward and carried strong coming up just short before the whitewash leaving them wanting once again. With the wind up and the time ticking down, Belper stepped wide with a swift back inside to pull away for a breakaway try in the last 5 minutes. A truly determined display from both teams ending with Belper taking the win 0-12 in a hard-fought battle by all.

The Stafford ladies benefitted from the schedule, earning a break in play whilst Belper faced off against Kidderminster Carolians. Both teams showed strength in the carry, with Kidderminster demonstrating pace and agility to utilise the widths of the field to get points on the board. Each team battled for possession with the game drawing to an early finish after a Belper injury. Kidderminster taking home the win; 17-10 at the referee’s signal.

Sunday's proceedings closed out with the home squad back in action, stepping out in black and red to face off against Kidderminster Carolians. With the light fading and the temperature dropping, the skies were aglow over the county ground, providing a dramatic backdrop to the match.

Stafford set out hard and fast, pressing up on a pacey Kidderminster side to secure possession from the outset. Some swift handling, well drilled attacking play and strong carries opened up the space for fly half Sophi Kowalewska-Fry to secure the first points of the game. Th combined strength in the rucks, fast hands and running lines of Stafford rewarded with a further try from Stafford captain Cath Anthony, back in at Scrum half. A determined Kidderminster side were relentless in their pursuit, crashing out in touch as the referee called half time. The home went into the break 10-0.

The growing confidence of the home team was no deterrent for a versatile and committed Kidderminster squad who showed quick feet and support out wide to secure 2 swift scores bringing the tally even. The wind picking up favoured neither team, both Stafford and Kidderminster each being turned over within their own half at the line out. It was Stafford who capitalised first, making a break down the wing with a searing cut back inside for Karima Alghazzi to crash over the line and close in on a win. With light fading fast a surge forward and nimble step from Kidderminster's spritely inside centre secured a further 7 points after dotting down under the posts. The home side braced for 1 final push shifting the ball through the pack, making camp in Kidderminster's 22. The dogged defence of Kidderminster held up for 3 mighty phases, holding the Stafford pack off the before a miss-timed pass presented Stafford with the break they needed. The final score of the game made by Scarlett Duthie in the last 2 minutes of her very first game. The referee signalled full time with the home team securing the win 20-17.

The Stafford Ladies growth provided first game appearances from Marie Ward and Dee Worrall in the forwards, alongside Kate Cooper, Scarlett Duthie and Vickie Wilson in the backs. A fantastic afternoon of rugby showcasing determination, teamwork and skill from all those involved. Stafford's forward of the Match went to Ellen Matthews for an outstanding display of strength, fearlessness, confidence & skill in both carries & tackles. Back of the match jointly awarded to Aimee Atherton for some outstanding defensive, powerful and relentless tackling, alongside Scarlett Duthie for strong carries, epic defensive tackles & a try in her first appearance.

The coveted Mergoat Award went to Clare Plenderleith for all round commitment, game structure, powerful tackles & strong carries throughout.

The Stafford Ladies will be back on the pitch on Sunday 13 February, hunting down an away victory at Barker Butts, Coventry.