Aldridge stun Spartans Stags

Aldridge RFC started this game with a bare 15 players and a number of players playing in very unaccustomed positions so to come away with a resounding 24-10 victory against a side who have not lost at home for over 15 months and only twice on the road since January 2018 shows the level of this performance.

Earlier this season Spartans Stags ran up 3 figures against our 2's and requested this fixture as they were looking for a team to 'give them a game' - well we certainly did that ! ! With Ellis Garrett starting his first ever game in the front row at tight head prop, after an in-depth 1on1 coaching advice ("bend over, legs back, push hard!"), Ben Eden moving in from the wing to play in the back row, and big Dan Lastun playing his first game for 4 years there was some thoughts that we had gambled a little too much. How wrong we were.

Aldridge dominated the majority of the first half, with Ben Tal orchestrating at 9, and playing with confidence again. Playing with the wind and sun at our backs, Adam Reed and Ryan Bowen kicked cleverly to ensure the larger Spartans pack were turned and retreating for most of the half; and with the normal powering runs from Danny Mac and Josh Reynolds being back up by a very mobile pack with both Ellis and Ben Eden on hand to support these runs.

For 39 minutes the game was at stalemate then following a dropped pass in the Spartans 22, they counter attacked with pace and power and despite being held up over the line (and a possible knock on), from the resulting scrum the large Spartans Number 8 powered over from close rang - conversion missed. Spartans Stags 5 Aldridge RFC 0 at half time.

Spartans started the 2nd half strongly and following a series of scrums (about 8 one after another), following a number of interesting referee decisions from the Referee who was having a 'lovely game at the centre of attention' Spartans extended their lead to 10-0 from close rang.

This though galvanised Aldridge, and following some great hands again from the backs, along with support from Lea Ross and Adam Butler, the Spartans defence was stretched and Adam Morris scored the first of his brace and Aldridge were back in the game (Adam Reed missed conversion).

A strong catch and run from Ellis from the restart and Aldridge were back on the attack again. The offload game we have developed this season was much in evidence as we simply avoided the larger Spartans players by moving the ball around them. Another strong run from Ashley Lowe saw quick recycled ball and Adam Morris was again on the end of the final pass to score again, and with Adam Reed converting from the corner Aldridge were leading 12 - 10.

After a slight delay in which the referee was demonstrating the 'jackal' technique to the Spartans players, Aldridge were back on the attack. With the forwards running now in the ascendency, and quick ball being created for the young back line, firstly wing Jacob Holding was tackled just short of the line and then Ryan Bowen was also tackled with the try line in site. However, following a strong Dan Lustun break, "Big" Ben Eden took the ball on to offload to Bowen, who despite a late no armed high hit, got his pass away to Lewis Underwood who following a quick 'to you to me' exchange with Jacob Holding, scored a simply wonderful team try. Adam Reed converted (19-10) but Aldridge were not finished.

From the restart a solid catch from Dan Lastun resulted in a try worthy of any team. It empitamized everything we have tried to develop as a team this season with the ball being worked left and right at pace, quick ball, support runners and the freedom to express yourselves, somehow Loose-head prop Mo Harbutt found himself at 9 in mid-pitch on the Spartans 22, his "Dive" pass to Dan Lastun was a thing of beauty, who drew the defender and popped to Tight head Ellis Garrett for his first try in the First XV. Adam Read missed the conversion. (24 -10)

Aldridge easily saw the game out in the final few minutes to secure a great 24 - 10 victory much to the dismay of the watching Spartans spectators.

"It was a massive gamble to throw Ellis in at Tight Head but i have been sowing the seeds with him for a few months. His performance was excellent, feedback from their loose head prop was very positive. The rugby we played today throughout the second half was simply outstanding - a joy to watch at times" commented Head Coach Jon Arch. "Ellis's performance, along with Ben Eden, Adam Butler (who bossed the line out) and Fizz at 9 show what strength we have in the young players coming through. You put those with the older heads of Adam Reed and Lea Ross, and the mercurial talents of the likes of Danny Mac, Jacob H and Lewis, really show the total potential this club has."

Aldridge RFC return to league action this weekend, with the tough trip to Linley who are battling for the title.