Pace the key as Bloxwich blitzed

Rugeley’s second game of the season saw them travelling away to Bloxwich rugby club, known for their dominating forwards play, with a large physical pack.

Whilst Rugeley are also known for having a physical edge to their game, the key to this game would rest on their ability to recycle quickly ship the ball quickly and bring the backs into the game.

The travelling Rugeley side were missing a number of key players giving starting opportunities to youngsters Ryan Salt and Connor Brighton both products of last season’s under 18s side with James Richer brought in after good form for the seconds.

The first half saw Rugeley score 5 tries (1 converted) without any response from the hosts, the first of these coming from Connor Brighton outclassing the Bloxwich backline to score in the corner. Rugeley used this expansive play during the first half with the quality of the Rugeley back too much for their opponents, entering the half-time break 27-0.

In the second half Rugeley slowed somewhat letting their opponent back into the game slightly, with well worked forwards play from Bloxwich seeing them rewarded with 3 tries and 17 points in the second half. On the few occasions in the second half where Rugeley were able to wrestle the ball away from the Bloxwich pack, clinical finishes soon followed with an additional 17 points scored.

The final whistle confirmed an impressive Rugeley win with the final score 44-17, with scores from Connor Brighton (2), Ryan Salt (1), Michael Wilkes (2), Jordan Wood (1) and Jack Richards (2).

A second bonus point victory sees Rugeley hang on tightly to the top spot in the table at this early stage, with a break in league action this week for the National Cup with a first round challenge away at AEI Rugby in Warwickshire.