It took us most of the match to finally claim victory in this hard fought North Midlands Vase fixture versus local rivals Warley. It was a penalty apiece after 7 minutes, but with a second penalty off fullback Alex Yates plus a try from winger Nick Yates mid way through the half it was looking like being a decent afternoon for Aldridge. For most of the rest of the half we exerted plenty of pressure and created a number of opportunities without being able to make the final yard to the try line. Right at the break a second penalty from Warley winger Nick Biddlecombe reduced the deficit for the visitors opening up a way back into the game for them. Now with the slope and breeze advantage Warley came back strongly and soon had the upper hand. With us under a yellow card, a penalty from No10 Marcus Taylor and a try from fullback Jack Price gave the visitors a 11 – 14 lead mid way through the half. This provided us with the wake up call and the forwards, beginning to make more of a nuisance of themselves. Aldridge slowly began to regain the ascendancy which started to produce a supply of possession for the backs. Some determined running began to stretch a resolute Warley defence which was eventually breached by centre Dan McKenna crossing close to the posts. Alex Yates converted and added a penalty to re-establish the lead but it was not until the last 10 minutes that tries off No8 Alex Holding and Nick Yates, both converted by Alex Yates, produced a more comfortable looking score line.

Regards

Jim Chambers
Aldridge RFC