Rugeley hit 5 to take the spoils at Market Drayton

Rugeley’s league form had stalled in the period running up to Christmas and it was important to get the win over a team who have struggled all season despite playing their rugby in the league above last term.

Rugeley started much the stronger and within the first 15 minutes had powered their way to two tried with Jordan Wood and captain Matthew Williscroft both forcing their way over the line.

The wind was against Rugeley but for some reason the Shropshire based side did not take advantage of this preferring to run the ball up the pitch. Market Drayton defended well and Rugeley consistently gave away penalties at the breakdown.

As the half wore on Rugeley mad a few mistakes which ceded territory to Market Drayton. One attack was repelled with robust Rugeley defence on the line with Tommy Wilson’s tackling particularly ferocious. However a failed clearance allowed another maul to be set up and this time Rugeley were unable to defend their line as Drayon’s big number eight forced his way over in the corner bringing the score to 10-5. This caused Rugeley to rally with further tries from Wood and Pagett seeing Rugely secure the four try bonus point in the first half and a healthy 22-8 lead at half time.

The second half started brightly for Rugeley. A long kick up field and pressure on the Drayton backs forced a line out. A punt upfield fed Michael Wilkes who unfortunately through a loose pass seized upon by the pacey Drayton centre who ran in unopposed under the posts and brought Drayton back in the match at 13-22. Rugeley struggled to re-assert their first half dominance and much credit must go to the Drayton pack who began to get the upperhand in the loose. A penalty in front of the posts was kicked by Drayton and with 15 minutes to go an unlikely victory was there for Drayton to seize. The penalty spurred Rugeley into life. The structures which they have been working so hard on in training clicked into gear and the remainder of the match was played in the Drayton half. Several phases of forward play was followed by a well worked backs move with Luke Pagett drawing his man before feeding Michael Wilkes to score in the corner and secure what in the end was a comfortable winning margin.

The victory sees Rugeley move to fourth in the table with 38 points. Whilst the league leaders are out of sight on 58 points, local rivals and second placed Cannock remain a difficult albeit realistic target on 45 points.

Man of the match: Matthew Williscroft.