Stratford RFC in second-half fightback

Director of rugby Tom Rance praised his side’s battling qualities as the Black and Whites recovered from a half-time deficit to finally sweep aside the doughty hosts on Saturday.

Stoke led 13-7 at the break, scoring a converted try and two penalties.

Stratford replied with a Liam Jones try after a neat pass from Toby Jones, converted by Nath Geekie.

But a half-time with Jack Young taking over at No 10 and Toby Jones moving to scrum-half for the flu-hit Matt Allen allowed Stratford to take the initiative.

Sam Kirby made an outstanding break to cut through the Stoke line and exchanged passes with Geekie to go over.

Kirby was again involved for the third try, making the incisive move through the defence from Young’s pass and allowing Jo Cook to race in underneath the posts.

The forwards then pounded away at the Stoke defence before Callum Cook scored in the corner.

“It was a real battle,” said Rance. “It was a test of our resilience and the pleasing thing is that we responded positively.”

Stratford take a break next week for the Rugby World Cup 2015 final before they visit Worcester Wanderers in a first-v-second contest on 7th November.

Wanderers drew 25-25 at Crewe and Nantwich and Stratford lead the table by five points.

For more, see this week’s Herald.