RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup - Round 3

2nd January 2016
RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup - Round 3

Stourbridge Lions 38 Nottingham Casuals 5

After the heroics and euphoria of the previous round, Casuals’ hopes of progressing in the cup were cruelly dashed, as their challenge simply sank into the thick cloying mud.
Parts of the pitch were covered in pools water.
Fielding a side depleted of several players from the last league game, Casuals, despite their best endeavours, simply were not cohesive in their efforts.
This really must be a reminder to those who complained about their efforts, instead of giving them praise for even being there.

They enjoyed some periods of possession, but Casuals simply could not match the well drilled Lions side, as they ran the ball at every opportunity.
Casuals were guilty of trying too hard, and instead of playing keep ball, they made too many mistakes, allowing Stourbridge to keep possession, to force Casuals on to the
defensive for long periods of the game.
Scrummaging was concentrated more on not collapsing the scrum, for fear of someone going facedown into the water.

Stourbridge opened the scoring after 10 minutes, although a very obvious knock on was not spotted by a less than mobile referee, and the hosts secured a converted try.
Casuals came back 2 minutes later when a concerted attack culminated in a ruck on the Stourbridge line, and Gareth-Davies Jones forced his way over.

That was not Casuals’ last possible scoring chance, but their eagerness to offload the ball, in very greasy and muddy conditions led to turned over possession, and Stourbridge were able to control territory, despite Casuals advantage of the slope.
2 more tries followed for Stourbridge in the first half, and they lead 19 - 5 at half time.

The second half brought no relief to Casuals as they conceded 3 more tries, and although the latter period of the game was more of an even contest, Casuals just could not force their way over.
They had to drag their weary bodies off a morass of a pitch, possibly wondering why they had bothered to put themselves through a long journey, to try to play rugby on a drastic playing surface, and to cap it all, cold showers.

Not a great reward, either, for the travelling spectators, but coping with the losses is part of the game. Remember that
Credit where credit is due Thanks for those who turned up and played with such spirit in very trying conditions, and putting their bodies through it.
Most gave their all. Hopefully the return to league rugby will bring it's rewards.