Sat 20 Nov 2021
Uttoxeter Victory a Major Milestone
Stourbridge Lions 12
Uttoxeter 22
Uttoxeter finally produced the result their performances have demanded as they beat Stourbridge Lions. It is the first ever away win at this level of rugby for the Oldfields outfit, and shows that the team are starting to feel at home in this division.
Coach Donald Hayes had to make full use of his squad for this fixture due to injury and absence. He started with Jack Bostock and Sam Woolley at prop, with Jake Cabrera captaining from hooker. Brothers Gregor and Tom Hayes started in the second row, with Aaron Lakin and Joel Walkaden on the flanks and Callum Shaw at number 8. Tom Gallimore moved back to his more accustomed role at scrum half, whilst Joe Gorman filled in at 10 again. Tom Sherratt played centre with Henry Knox, Mark Springall played on one wing with Luke Bebbington on the opposite wing. Ben Marshall slotted in at full back, whilst on the bench Adam Tortoishell was joined by Taine Grout.
The travelling side had a lot to make up for after their previous drubbing against Newcastle (Staffs), but defended stoutly in the first half. Wave after wave of Stourbridge attacks crashed and faltered in front of some ferocious Uttoxeter tackling. Despite lacking any possession, it was Uttoxeter who took the lead through a penalty, leading 0-3 despite having barely any of the ball. Stourbridge did eventually breach the line though, converting a try to take a 7-3 lead into half time.
The second 40 started much the same, Stourbridge controlling possession and territory but not doing anything with it. The passion and pride in the Uttoxeter badge meant the players never gave an inch, and it was Uttoxeter who kept the scoreboard moving. Tom Gallimore supported on the shoulder after a break through the middle to sail over the try line. The try was converted and Uttoxeter carried a 7-10 lead.
That lead was then further extended as another try increased the difference. Battering ram Henry Knox picked up his fifth try of the season in typical fashion, carrying 3 would-be defenders with him as he touched down, the kick was good and Uttoxeter had an unassailable 7-17 lead.
Credit to Stourbridge who continued to pour forward with the ball, getting the game back with a score with their second try of the game to make it 12-17 and make the last 20 minutes interesting.
Uttoxeter responded well and took the game beyond the reach of their rivals as Ben Marshall sauntered through a tiring defence to score with 15 minutes to go. The conversion was missed, but Uttoxeter had a 12-22 lead that Stourbridge could not touch. The referee blew the whistle 15 minutes later, and Uttoxeter had won their first away game at Level 7, and their first game on the field at this level ever.
It was a momumentous moment for the club, and delighted travelling fans, players and coaches alike. Coach Hayes paid particular praise to the dominating set-piece and intelligent kicking game of the side, and is pleased to have the first win ticked off. The team will look to back up this win with another against Stafford at Oldfields next weekend.
Elsewhere, Uttoxeter 2nd XV had the pleasure to invite city boys Stoke-on-Trent 2nds to Oldfields in what looked on paper to be a tight and competitive fixture. But such is the ferocity of Captain Jim Williams' side this season they swept their illustrious rivals aside, destroying them 62-0 to remain unbeaten this season on the field. And the combined Leek/Uttoxeter Colts side continued their development and journey with a friendly against Stafford, but unfortunately came out on the wrong side of a 29-10 scoreline.
