Stafford welcomed second in the table Burntwood for the first league game in March. The visitors were having an excellent season with sixteen wins and two losses already securing a second league place, placing them in a promotion position. Sitting at the opposite end of the table, the hosts were still plagued by injuries and unavailability. Making their season debut for this match were Alosio Yamo Yamo and Angus Lennon. The March weather shone down brightly across the County Ground driving off the frost from earlier in the day.

The first part of the match was a fairly evenly contested affair, but when the visitors shifted into gear the attacking play was lethal. Stafford contended hard for the ball around the half way line but couldn’t find the space to manoeuvre into the opposition half. With some big hits coming in from both sides, Blackberry Lane echoed with the sounds of the collisions. Despite some brave county town rugby, the threatening Burntwood play was always present and clinical possession soon carved open the defence for the opening try. An injury to Rob Jones slowed down proceedings causing further disruption for the battling XV. Two more Burntwood tries soon followed before the home side managed to create some momentum. For the first time in the afternoon the visitors were forced onto the back foot. Burntwood were suddenly having to put up a rolling defence on their own line. The County Town team probed for any gaps and eventually a flying Alex Rock crashed across for a try, converted by Dylan Shrehorn. On the cusp of the break, Burntwood broke through again for the bonus point. Stafford went into half time trailing 7 – 28 and looking for an answer to the Burntwood juggernaut.

The travelling XV opened the second half with a penalty to increase their sizeable lead. Stafford dug deep and showing all their heart wrestled the game back into their own hands. Forcing the visitors back towards the club house, the retreating defence was exuberant and appeared to have quashed the threat. But a final surge saw a returning Alosio Yamo Yamo crashing across for a try, converted by Dylan Shrehorn. The home side continued to work hard and had some bright promising moments. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent the well drilled visitors from scoring a few more tries to cap off a comprehensive performance.

Next 1st XV Match: Saturday 8th March vs Telford 1st XV, Away. K.O. 15:00.