Stratford hold their own against Barkers Butts
Jago Vialan was the team’s totem, bristling with determination in both attack and defence, but Charles Squires found the gaps with his pace and vision creating all his team’s tries.
With Vialan injured for much of the second match – but playing on regardless – the tackling effort fell principally to the trio of Belcher, Blann and Dobson.
Conceding a try in the last play of the first game, leaving the score 2-2, left the players deflated but determined that this was a team which never gave up and despite losing the second rubber 3-2 each boy could be proud of his contribution.
Stratford Sharks put on an equally spirited display, winning their first game, which was an extremely hard fought and very close game, with the demonstration of some fluid passing and a resolute defence.
The interplay between Hewett and Whorrod in particular was encouraging, and some fine runs from Mullally and Fitzpatrick could have ended up crossing the try-line but for the final pass not materialising.
Cottam and Morris were again in the thick of things at the breakdown, making a nuisance of themselves in terms of contesting opposition ball, and carrying their own possession with purpose.
Liggins and Lindsay continue to improve and Feaver was again heavily involved, linking nicely with Hewett and Whorrod.
The second game was more difficult, tiredness perhaps playing its part after the huge effort in the first game.
The boys lost the game but not their hearts, continuing to fight to the end, and the scoreline of 6-1 was not indicative of the gameplay, but rather testament to some lapses in concentration.
Stratford Steelers: Daniel Acutt, Matthew Belcher, Aidan Blann, Luke Conlan, Artie Dobson, Sol Moore Ng, Charles Squires, Jago Vialan (Capt), William Winter, Jamie Yates.
Stratford Sharks: James Cottam, Oliver Feaver, Joel Hewett (Capt), Harri Liggins, Angus Lindsay, Joel Morris, Jamie Mullally, Reace Fitzpatrick, Charlie Whorrod
Results: Steelers 2-2 Barkers Butts; Steelers 2-3 Barkers Butts; Sharks 5-4 Barkers Butts; Sharks 1-6 Barkers Butts
