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| Rugby
>> Match Report |
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| Date: |
Sat 5th January 2008 |
| Match: |
AOE 1sts v Stafford. ( League. ) |
| Result: |
Stafford 18 -- 20 Aston Old Eds |
| Report: |
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The previous encounter at Aston had resulted in a draw after a strong fight back by Stafford. There was a quiet start to the rematch with both sides being turned over too frequently for comfort but Aston took the lead when McNamee slotted a penalty. Stafford were stung and attacked strongly but were beaten off before Aston powered their way into the Stafford 22. From a solid scrum Horrocks took the ball on well and the resulting ruck saw quick ball which went along the backs. An offence by the defenders led to the ball running loose behind the Stafford goal line and Love, for the visitors, was on hand to touch down under the posts for McNamee to convert. Baldock got a yellow for Aston for playing with a silly haircut and Stafford kicked the penalty to reduce the lead. Aston made a lightning response and excellent work from backs and forwards drew a penalty which McNamee successfully converted. The home team then responded in kind at the other end just a few minutes later but Aston finished the half with a strong attack which almost brought a score. Excellent distribution skills from Maksymczuk enabled Aston's centres to run some good lines and find space in midfield which kept the tacklers guessing and was a feature of the half.
Aston's margin of seven points was not enough to keep them happy and they had the best of the next fifteen minutes, camped in the Stafford half and 22. They earned their reward when Grice shrugged off several tackles in a strong run and passed inside to Franklin who crashed over near the posts to leave McNamee the formality of the conversion. Aston looked comfortable with a lead of fourteen points but Stafford were not about to lie down. They put on tremendous pressure and almost crossed the line, first on the right and then on the left, having Aston at full stretch. Aston's tackling was reduced to scragging at some points but they weathered the storm before Stafford lost their full back and Aston lost Wood to yellow cards. Wood's absence cost Aston dear as the defence lacked organisation and Stafford were soon in for a try from Walklate but they could not convert. The home side resumed the offensive and, from deep in their own half, broke out for Mottershead to run in unopposed and provide an easy conversion. Stafford had the scent of a scalp in their nostrils but Aston raised their game and kept play in the middle of the field and into the Stafford half. Apart from giving away a kickable penalty which could have cost them the game Aston held the home side at bay until close to the end. A swift attack from Stafford saw the left wing outflank his man and put in a kick behind the posts. In the chase for the touchdown Grice, for Aston, had the edge and won the race, saving the game for the visitors.
CLEAN SWEEP...CLEAN SWEEP...CLEAN SWEEP...CLEAN SWEEP.
The Seconds had an 18-7 victory over Old Salts with tries for Morris and Earl and two penalties and a conversion for Platts. The Thirds beat Yardleians 36-25, putting in a gargantuan effort with only twelve men, and down to eleven at the end. Gardener scored three tries with Cleary, Markham and Finn getting one each and Gardener knocked over three conversions. The Fourths completed a clean sweep for Aston on the day with an excellent win 13-12 over Bloxwich Seconds. Matumba and Bradley got tries and Jarvis kicked a penalty.
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