Match Report 26th February Cannock 7 Rugeley 15

Picture attached of second half substitute David Bagnall speeding up the wing
 
Rugeley enjoyed their first competitive victory over Cannock in years to move within 6 points of the promotion places in Midlands 4 West North.
 
Rugeley sent over a depleted squad which included Nathan Homer in the unusual position of flanker in his first game back from injury.  Cannock also had a few out and Rugeley were surprised to see their veteran back rower Stuart Cheshire playing at stand off.  Rugeley won the toss and went up the slope in the first half.  Rugeley's forwards kept it tight with good rucking from the front row of Carl Johnson, Giuseppe Sirianni and David Black.  The Cannock defence held firm and a few loose passes meant Rugeley were unable to breach the try line.  Cannock's attacks were restricted to the odd break away and kick up field but the Rugeley back three of Cei Griffin, David Bretle and Jamie Simmonds were rarely troubled.
 
Rugeley were encouraged to be kicking down the slope in the second half.  They were quickly rewarded for their first half work when Kenneth Archer received a ball of the back of a ruck and sped past the Cannock defence to score in the corner.  Craig Nesbitt missed the conversion but made up for it moments later with a penalty kick to put Rugeley into an 8 point lead.
 
Rugeley began to dominate and exploited the lack of pace in the Cannock back line.  However the attacks lacked precision.  Luke Pagget found himself oer the try line only to pass forward to David Bagnall.  Craig Nesbitt tried to crash over when a pass may had let two attackers in.  Cannock seemed encouraged by Rugeley's failure to take their chances and with 8 minutes to go socred a converted try of their own to bring the score to 7-8 and leave a nervous last few minutes for Rugeley.
 
Thankfully Rugeley rose to the occasion and Luke Pagget determied to make up for his earlier errors made no mistake as he powered passed the Cannock midfield to score under the posts.  Craig Nesbitt kicked the conversion to deny Cannock the losing bonus point. 

Rugeley seconds lost 27-17 to Stafford fourths and Rugeley thirds lost to Whittington 67-7 with a try to Nicholas Bryant.  This week sees Rugeley 1s and 2s play another local derby against Barton whilst the thirds travel to Trentham in the merit league.