Our boys were pleased to get back into action and put the previous week’s disappointment behind them. The mood in the changing room was confident and relaxed as the team began their preparations to go into battle once again. Despite a couple of last-minute kit hiccups (note to parents), the players moved without delay through their routinely practiced warm-up. As an observer standing back, this appeared a well-oiled machine with some imposing components, primed and ready to go. And it was…

Straight from kicking off, the referee having awarded the away team the option as a courtesy, the Saxons dominated the play. Our forwards and scrum half went about their business of controlling the breakdown, winning what was often a one-horse race. The Cannock forwards were unable to match our boys’ physicality, fitness and structure, which allowed an obscene amount of space around the sides of the ruck for our powerful ‘slow’ ball runners to exploit. Ike, Jacob and Isaac used their pace and guile to make yards and pushed the team into early scoring positions. This set the tone for the game, and it was won within the first 5 minutes.

Our scrummage was strong as we trialled a number of different front and second row combinations. Getting on the front foot with a determined push allowed the backs space to play and for our number 8 to pick up and go at will. Lewis P showed us how much he has developed and quickly learnt from slipping to his knee in an early scrum, to pack down once again and drive his opposite number backwards. In total, 14 forwards played today with 6 playing positions in the front row, 5 players playing in the second row and 6 playing on the back row.

A new rhythm was needed in the backs as we were missing a couple of key players. Adam, Ben P and Harry S had stints in the centre and were also joined later in the game by an uncharacteristically looking fly boy by the name of Jacob. Harry R moved to first receiver and had the task of trying to keep our attacking and defensive shape with new personnel. There were tries galore and Sam kicked the conversions with aplomb.

Before half time, our Stafford Saxons had cleared the 50-point deficit, which, under the RFU regulations, meant that the game was formally over. In the spirit of Rugby and to make sure all the lads had game time, we made the decision to split the forwards and backs and to join the two teams barbarian style. There were tries from both teams and the Stafford coaches were pleased with some of the interplay between players in what was a far more even and free flowing game.

Highlights of the game included:
Isaac scoring his first try from 30 metres out (or was it 50 metres? Depends on who tells the story I guess…)
Harry S scoring no less than 7 tries. Just unstoppable (apart from that one time he was upended to the ground by a great hit).
An unscripted battle between Jacob and Kieran. Hard running and big tackling (and I may have even seen a ‘show and go’!)
A player of the match performance by Lewis P. A player who is working so hard on the basics and getting them right. Wonderful effort.

Next week we have another home game against Leek. Sure to be a much more challenging fixture, but our boys are more than ready. Bring it on Saxons!