Stafford travelled to Cannock with a 12 man squad comprising Matt Walklate, Carl Williams, Pete White, James Atkinson (Acko), George Morrison, Lewis Bourne, Tom Riley, Rhys Williams, Call Jones, Will Sant, Dean Ainger and J-P Hurley. The squad were drawn in the same group as Bourneville (Stunts) and Eccleshall B.

Stafford fought hard in the first game but ended up losing out to a well drilled stunts side who managed to keep the county side unsettled throughout. The second game saw Stafford coming from behind to play some uncompromising 7’s rugby to overwhelm Eccleshall B. A tough quarter final draw saw Stafford just being edged out by Crewe & Nantwich, but they were very close to stealing the victory.

In the plate semi-final Stafford opened up a 24 – 0 lead against the hosts, but a frantic last five minutes saw Cannock take 19 points to make it a nail biting finish. After injuries had taken their toll Stafford went into the final against Essington with a squad of only ten players. The squad kept to their game plan with strong and forceful play overpowering the opposition to take the plate.

Given the changes in players, including very late call ups, Stafford blended well and played some really promising rugby. Thanks must also go out to Pete Walker and Darren Mottershead for helping with the coaching and selections.

The final leg is a home tournament at Stafford on 11th July where this competition will surely be decided.