STRATFORD UPON AVON v LEEK, MATCH REPORT

This run has seen Leek drop to 10th place and with all teams around them picking up points on Saturday, the need to arrest the losses is now critical if the club doesn’t want to get involved in a relegation battle.

Still the main problem persists with lack of availability consistency leading to a lack of confidence and the inexplicable concession of points in the opening minute again.
34 seconds on the clock and Stratford had scored as Leek failed to deal with the kick off as players looked at each other to take responsibility for the ball. It bounced and ricocheted off an arm for a Stratford lineout in Leek’s 22. A simple catch and drive and Stratford’s pack had crashed over for the perfect start. The conversion missed. 5-0.
On 16 minutes a penalty in Leek’s 22 for crossing gave Stratford the chance to opt for a scrum but Leek’s defence held and then a knock on let Leek clear.

On 22 minutes again pressure from Stratford was building and Leek lost their own lineout, which was to be a consistent theme all day, on their own 5 metre line. A driving maul saw the home pack score their 2nd try and the conversion missed. 10-0.
Leek then had a spell of possession and started to put a few phases together resulting in a 35th minute penalty in the Stratford 22 for offside. Electing to scrum, Leek made no gain and eventually were penalised as the 4 phase broke down.
Jack Taylor made a strong break on 38 minutes from his own half to Stratford’s 5 metre line and following a scrum the Moorlanders won a penalty for not releasing and Gary McDermott opened Leek’s account with a well struck goal. 10-=3.
There was another play before half time as Stratford’s backs carved through Leek’s fragile defence but as they approached the Leek 5 metre line great tackles from Taylor and Hunt meant there was a knock on and Leek cleared to end the half only one score down at 10-3
.
The 2nd half opened with intent from the home side but Leek’s defence was good until on 52 minutes a routine scrum on Leek’s 10 metre line saw the Stratford backs produce a neat move in the centre. Leek missed tackles and the full back scored in the left corner. The conversion missed but at 15-3 Leek needed to score next to get back in the game.
However with the Leek lineout dysfunctional, Stratford took advantage and on 61 minutes a steal allowed their backs , then forwards to reach Leek’s 5 metre line. Again, Leek looked to have stolen the ball but an aimless kick away set up the Stratford backs again and they duly scored their bonus point try in the left corner. This time the conversion was good and at 22-3, there was no way back for Leek.

This was confirmed 5 minutes later at Stratford scored their 5th try after a penalty and kick for lineout on the 5 metre line. A catch and drive again finally had the replacement prop scoring. 27-3.
More pressure on Leek on 70 minutes in their 22 and a penalty coming for off feet but the fly half had a drop goal attempt which sailed through the posts for a score. 30-3.
With the game won, Stratford took their foot off the pedal and Leek’s forwards tried the maul drive with good effect. Linking with the backs and setting up again led to an 80th minute drive for the line. Stratford players tried to prevent the drive illegally and the referee awarded Leek a penalty try. The conversion was charged down to sum up Leek’s day but they had registered a score. 30-8.
Still time for another driving maul phase and another score looked possible but The Moorlanders were penalised and Stratford cleared to end the game deserved winners.

Leek team:

Taylor; Hunt G, Palmer, Smith B, Floyd; McDermott G, Needham; Brooks, Cheadle R, McNicol; Sims, Harrison; Drew S, Staton, Thomson J

Bench; Cheadle E, Harris, Tomczak

Leek need a change of luck and some continuity now as the coaches and players try to find the winning formula.
This Saturday’s match at EsterChem Park against Walsall will be a real test but also an opportunity to avenge the 1 point defeat suffered earlier in the season.

In other results Newport sensationally lost at Stoke as the Barlaston outfit continued their strong run. Sills drew with Worcester and Hereford lost at Whitchurch.