Wilmslow 12     Stoke on Trent 19

After last weeks defeat Wilmslow responded well despite missing a number of players. All first choice players, the colts were without two hookers, a second row, scrum half and centre, which resulted in a number of players playing out of position and a lack of cohesion and organisation. The good news is that most of the missing players should be available next week as will Hamish Watson who came back from school this week to put in a great performance.

Stoke arrived with a 100% record this season but despite this it was Wilmslow that scored first when Alex Taylor picked up at Number 8 and charged over. Within 5 minutes Stoke were in front when their Number 8 swivelled from the back of a maul to go over all to easily.

On the stroke of half time, Stoke delivered a fatal blow when they scored with the final play of the half. This was so dispiriting that as soon as the second half started Stoke scored again. To Wilmslow’s credit they reacted well and 10 minutes later they made the score 12-19. A great break by Jo Spence was followed by quick ball. Lawrence James then chipped for the corner and Matthew Butt won the race to score.

In the last 10 minutes it could have gone either way. In truth Stoke were the better rucking and mauling side but Wilmslow’s lack of consistency showed, so despite an admirable effort it was not quiet enough and until we are able to get a settled side this will always be a problem.

Tries:  Alex Taylor, Matthew Butt

 Con:   Lawrence James

Glossop 28   Wilmslow 30

After starting sluggishly in the last two games Wilmslow seemed to have learnt their lesson and were 12 points up with less than 15 minutes played. Great play from the forwards allowed Lawrence James to slice through the defence after 5 minutes and 10 minutes later sustained pressure and a quickly taken penalty by Harrison Lewis earned a penalty try.

This should have been the start of an easy victory but lack of focus allowed Glossop back in and Wilmslow found themselves 14-12 down with 5 minutes of the half to go. To their credit they responded well, Jonny Gradon crashed over for a try and Lawrence James landed a valuable penalty, with the last kick of the half to make the score 14-20.

The second half started well with Wilmslow dominating but the “Off Button” was again pushed and Glossop were allowed right back in the game scoring two converted tries in quick succession. Wilmslow at last woke up and soon were rewarded when John Newsham dived over. The game was now in the balance but Lawrence James held his nerve to land a winning penalty with two minutes left.

Wilmslow dominated large periods of this game, hardly loosing a lineout all afternoon. Despite this we allowed Glossop to play and Wilmslow could have lost this game. There were some encouraging signs but to often Wilmslow made the wrong decision. Equally important was that Wilmslow must learn to keep their focus and concentrate for the whole game as they will have to next week as they take on league leaders Sandbach.

Tries:  Lawrence James, Penalty Try,  Jonny Gradon,  John Newsham

Cons:  Lawrence James 2

Pens:  Lawrence James 2