Stafford at home

Stafford at home.

I’d like to say what a difference and I could say those three hard sessions since the last game have made a difference, but the fact is today the whole squad decided to put in a performance which we know we are capable of so please make a mental note.
Having played Stafford away earlier in the season with a win on the books we were expecting a tough return and with the previous game in Coventry lost, we needed to change the tide. Above all as players and coaches we needed to see a performance and that’s what we got.
1:35pm the slightly delayed game started following an incident from the U14’ match, it appeared Hinckley were up for the contest defensively and in attack. For a number of minutes both teams matched each other all around the park. With attacking phases and defences staying strong it was obvious that we were on for a repeat of the first game. But the difference was if any, the Hinckley tenacity and repeated attacks from a well drill Stafford meant we had to defend well. The 10 shirt provided Stafford with lots of opportunity, but Hinckley’s quick line of defence held strong. Continued pressure sustained on the 10 provided a change of player and then an attack from Hinckley mid pitch came through the centres. With good hands, and a show and go, Hinckley were in for a cracking training pitch type try, with a winger to spare, a really good 5 points. The conversion was only missed by a few feet but the mind-set said, “….we can score again”. The game became tight with a lot of the game played within the two 22m lines. Hinckley though defended their last 5m twice both times taking clean ball from lineout and with good kicks cleared them back to the 10m line. These clearances from our line must have been hard for Stafford to swallow.
Half time 5:0
A buoyant half time team talk, “keep the fire in the belly, keep control but sustain pressure and work rate,” mostly from the players meant the coaches could just feel confident the second half was going to build on the first. The second half was almost seamless from the first with pressure all over from both sides. May be just one or two big tackles started to give Hinckley the edge and following 10+ minutes of tough play at the gain line Hinckley came through the middle for a try and conversion 12:0.
The game restarted and Stafford wanted points on the board so Hinckley’s defence was tested again and again with good short ball carries. Having got up to our 22m Stafford attacked our wing and got to within 15m but with a string of tackles stopping the players advance. Another penalty in the corner Stafford looked likely to gain some points but the defence held strong again and a tackle this time in to the side line meaning 5m out with our lads needing clean ball to clear their lines. Hinckley initiated a great text book catch at 2 from the line out and a confident pass from the 9 to our winger and we cleared Stafford nearly back to the half way line. Confidence within your teammates breads confidence in the team and there was no looking back. With 5-10 minutes to go Hinckley were looking strong and likely to win, attacks in to the last 22m looked good and following a few good tackles against Hinckley eventually we got over for another great try 17:0 conversion missed.
From a coaching perspective we asked the lads to take a good hard look at themselves following the loss in Coventry. Today the performance throughout the squad was good and I’m pleased to say the lads said to each other “we should be proud of that….”
A really great performance lads, cheers Dan