Rugeley win battle of the league leaders at Telford

Rugeley travelled to league rivals Telford for a match which they had been looking forward to since the fixtures were announced back in July. Rugeley were largely unchanged with the exception of Martyn Bentley who returned to the front row and Andy Morecock who same in for the injured Luke Paggett.

Rugeley started the stronger and the Hornets took some time to get used to the away team's aggression at the breakdown. A quickly turned over ruck saw Goggz in space and he used his deceptive pace to leave his counterpart for dead. The try went unconverted.

As the half wore on Telford got back into the try and a defensive mix up saw the ball bounce into the in goal area and was gratefully gobbled up by the Telford wing. The try was converted and Telford took the lead.

Undeterred Rugeley fought their way back and after good work from Mathew Keys and MattJoss, Joe Payne drew his man and released Goggz for his second try of the match.

A period of Telford pressure was then repelled after they were unable to win their own scrum from 5 metres out and Williscroft kicked to clear the line.

At half time Rugeley led 10-5.

The second half again saw Rugeley take control at the set piece with Bobby Hadtings catching everything in sight.

The back row of Williscroft and Everall combined to feed the backs which eventually saw Sam Cotter feed David Bagnall to score under the posts.

This seemed to break the Telford spirit and a further try followed by Goggz in quick succession as Rugeley take a 24-7 lead.

To be fair Telford again rallied and were rewarded with a penalty which was duly kicked. A try followed and for a few minute it looked like Telford may win a bonus point.

Rugeley we're not prepared to let this happen and quickly replied with a fourth Goggles try.

Rugeley were delighted to take all 5 points back to Staffordshire.

motm: Goggles