With healthy sideline support for both teams Leek started the match and found a quick foothold with a quick turnover and some dominant running. The Leopards capitalised on the initial momentum with a try scored by Powell who powered over the line opening Leek's account. Converted by Goode. 7-0

Stafford struck back with explosive running on the wing only to be held by the Leek defence. A turnover by Leek led to several phases of play in the forwards before Leek captain Goulding crossed the line. Conversion missed 12-0.

A clever chip kick and sustained Stafford pressure kept Leek back in their own 22. Leek attempted to clear their lines but it was intercepted by Stafford who skipped several tackles to dot down. Conversion was missed and the half ended 12-5 to Leek.

The second half started with a deep kick from Stafford, Leek knocked on and Stafford used their strong runners from the scrum to go through several phases until they forced their way over the line to score Stafford's second try converted for 12-12, game on!

Leek's restart put the ball deep into Stafford's half and with great line speed kept Stafford penned in. From a turnover the Leek forwards linked up well with a series of big carries before Powell popped up again to step his man before crashing the ball over the line. Converted by Goode 19-12.

The game restarted and was contested at both ends of the field without score until Leek were awarded a series of penalties allowing them to get a foothold deep in the Stafford 22. A desperate effort by Stafford to keep Leek from driving again for the line gave space out wide and a call from the breakdown saw Leek make a swift couple of passes to see Leeks number 10 for the night Goode score the final try of the game under the posts which he converted himself. 26-12.

A tight physical encounter well contested by both teams in wet conditions and was enjoyed by all.

A big thanks to our friends from Stafford RUFC for making the journey on a wet Friday evening.