Stafford 2nd XV v Leek 2nd XV

Stafford 2nd’s 24
Leek 2nd’s 36

The team was made up of the mainly successful colts team except for the front row of Gordon , Robinson and Sutton . The Team was captained by second row Luke Hardern. Stafford on paper were expected to be the far stronger and better equipped side with many years of senior rugby between the players.
However the Leek pack with Joe Newton Taylor partnering Hardern at second row and Hunt , Sims and Conlon taking the back row positions soon won good ball at the ruck and maul and due to their mobility were able to get the ball to the backs through scrum half Ollie Drew , this allowed the agility in the backs of Fowler ,Hall ,and the 17 yr old Fijian winger Waqi to receive the ball and place the Stafford team under great pressure on many occasions.

The returning Lucas Buxton began slowly and eventually was able to provide experience to the younger players . Leek took the first points to Stafford surprise as all the Leek colts players were able to settle into the game and play with experience beyond their years. Due to the unavailability of some colts players ,Elliot Fowler took over the unfamiliar position of fly half and performed as if he had played this position before with good ball distribution and kicking several conversions and penalties.

Leek scored tries through Drew, Waqi, Fowler and the imposing second half replacement James Thomspon eventually coming out winners 36 to 24 points against a very strong Stafford side . This was the first time Leek seconds have won this season and the young colts who played showed that Leek RUFC have a bright future . Head Coach Dave Hunt Said" The Colts players have nothing to fear, they all showed they have the ability to play strong running rugby as well as match any pack , it was a joy to watch".

Leek seconds are Away at Walsall this coming weekend

Author Mark Hardern