U18 GIRLS: STAFFORD (STAFFS CUP)

Tamworth under 18 girls were crowned the Staffordshire county cup champions on the 14th April 2024. They played Stafford in an away game in what was essentially the final and dug deep to keep possession and score points. The final score was 12-42 to Tamworth in a game that was won by mental resilience and the trust that the girls had in each other.

The first two tries came fast and consecutive for Tamworth, scored by Ellie and Martha, both being converted by Brogan. It was met with an unconverted try from Stafford but only after significant resilience from Tamworth. Before the half was over two more tries were scored by Lucie and Grace J, both of them again being converted by Brogan. Half Time score 5-28 in favor of Tamworth.

In the second half, Tamworth used their constant support of each other to score two more tries, Ellie getting them over the line. Brogan converted the tries and came away from the game with a 100% kick success. Stafford did manage to score a try in this half as well, coming from several hard crash balls, Tamworth did well to hold them on the line for multiple phases but Stafford persistence secured a score.

Throughout the game, the Tamworth girls played as a united front against the opposition and took control over the game. In defence they pushed pressure onto Stafford and shut down their chances of scoring; and in attack, found and exploited gaps and the wings by using great passes and strong running lines.

Dames of the games were Becky for the backs and Millie for the forwards. Millie took control of the rucks and turned the ball over at crucial moments in the game, as well as taking strong runs to further Tamworth’s position; Becky controlled he game too but in a different way, knowing exactly where to direct the ball to put Tamworth players into space, even taking a weaving run through numerous Stafford players.

Match report by: Grace Jay