Barton 25 Rugeley 23 5th March 2011
Rugeley made the short trip Barton under Needwood on Saturday to what has proved to be a very evenly matched game in recent seasons although Rugueley have tended to fall the wrong side of the score line.
After the disappointment of losing the first fixture at home after Rugeley wanted to make a big impact in the first few minutes. Unfortunately it was not to be after a catalogue of errors Rugeley found themselves 7 points behind. Rugeley then started to play and quickly came back from a try from David Bagnall with some quick hand from the Rugeley centres. The game was then dominated by Rugeley with the only sniff for Barton coming from the impressive kicking game of there no10. Kev Birt then entered the fray and taking on players and passing out the ball. Rugeley’s centres just went straight through the opposition because of this. This allowed Ceiron Griffin to score in the corner for a well taken try after picking the ball up from the floor. Birt passed for the second time in the game splitting the defence. This then allowed Matthew Williscroft to go over the white wash. Barton managed to come back through a kick which I am sure there 10 will say was intentionally however he just seemed to miss touch but it bounced in to the hands of the onrushing winger to go in under the posts.
With Rugeleys narrow lead they were expecting a tough half and it did not disappoint. Barton immediately started on top and dominated possession. Rugeleys insistence on kicking the ball away caused them problems. They forgot the structure of the first half of which they never looked like losing the game in favour of the kicking game which suited Barton. Barton came back in the second half with a well taken try and conversation. But it was the story of missed chances for Rugeley with both kicks and tries going astray. Barton, finally won the game 24-22.
Rugeley's second team managed to sneak a 10-7 victory over Barton 2nds in an encounter dominated by the forward. Kirk Jones scored the try and Adam Grocott kicked a penalty to give Rugeley the win. Rugeley thirds lost 37-7 to Trentham. This week sees Rugeley Firsts play Cannock at Home, the seconds travel to Cannock Seconds and the Thirds take on Bloxwich seconds in the merit league.
Man of the Match Sam Cotter
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