Stone RUFC were handed their first loss of the season with a 34-12 loss at local neighbours Stoke. The scoreline flatters Stoke 3XV however, who were able to call in a number of 2XV players after their trip to Sutton Coldfield was cancelled.
From the offset Stoke’s gameplan focused around dominance at the set piece and quickly set about using their forwards to good effect by punching holes through the Stone defence and marching their way up the pitch phase by phase. Despite some resolute defending by Stone the hosts were able to score at around the 10 minute mark having had all of the possession of the ball.
Despite the early set back Stone kept their heads held high and continued to battle in defence, with debutant Andy Davies in particular making an impact in rucks. Stoke were able to consistently recycle ball in seemingly impossible circumstances, as well as possessing an impressive driving maul, and were rewarded with another two tries in short order to make it 17-0 to Stoke. Stone’s determination in defence was rewarded however when a turnover in the midfield was quickly shipped to centre Daryl Fox who made an impressive 30 yard break to bring the score back to 17-7 at the half.
A rare moment of Stone loss of concentration lead to a calamitous score for Stoke from the kick off for the second half as the hosts were able to run up the field unimpeded to bring the score to 24-7. Stone quickly rallied however and made life difficult for Stoke and generally played some good rugby in the second half, albeit with some mistakes which would have made the game even tighter. The highlight of the second half was a mazy run by Number 10 Conor Norton as he showed his range of footwork skills to bring the score to 24-12. However, a further score eluded Stone which may have made the game even more competitive and Stoke were able to capitalise with 2 scores in the dying minutes of the game.
Stone will play worse Rugby this season and win and were unlucky to get more from this game.
The next fixture for Stone sees them host Stafford 3XV at Enson Lane on 15th October with a 2.30pm KO.
