Express & Star

Stafford boost their charge

Stafford enjoyed a super Saturday as they gained a spot of revenge – and gave their Midlands Two West (North) promotion hopes a boost.

Published

A solid 34-5 success over Moseley Oak, in the first game of 2020 at Coopers Park, lifted Stafford up to second place in the standings, five points behind leaders Wolverhampton.

The victory also saw them atone for a defeat away to the South Birmingham side earlier in the season.

A keenly-contested first half ended with Stafford 10 points to the good following a Louis Dewsbury penalty and a try from Carl Williams, which was converted by Dewsbury.

The hosts were temporarily reduced to 14 earlier in the second half and the visitors took advantage to grab an unconverted try.

But once they were back up to 15, Stafford took charge.

Christian Stelian crossed for their second try, with Dewsbury adding the extras.

Williams then touched down for his second try of the afternoon, again converted by the reliable Dewsbury.

And Stafford rounded off a good performance with further tries from Rich Martin and Sam Chatfield.

Walsall were left deflated and defeated after a gruelling battle with visiting Leek.

The hosts were pipped at the death when Leek bagged a try with the final play of the game to secure a 20-17 win.

Walsall’s points came via tries from Brandon Sayce and Roger Weston with Weston adding two conversions and a penalty.

Burntwood were beaten at home, 35-20 by Crewe.

In Midlands Three West (North), Wednesbury went down 23-17 at home to Handsworth, while Eccleshall won 15-5 at Willenhall.

Aldridge are leading the way in Midlands Four West (North) following a tight 12-10 triumph over visiting Barton-Under-Needwood.

Essington lost 28-15 at Market Drayton, but Warley were 29-0 winners against Birmingham Exiles.

The Midlands Five West (South) action saw Bloxwich lose 36-17 at Atherstone.