Aldridge stay top at Christmas

Despite missing 6 or 7 players from the normal starting lineup, a number of players still nursing the effects of the previous nights Christmas festivities and a backline which was completely thrown together during the week, Aldridge controlled the game from the first kick off to the last minute.

Mark Smith opened the scoring after 90 seconds, following some great controlled phases mixed with the powerful running of the returning Josh Reynolds and veteran centre Ben Pittam, even loose head prop Luke Russell popped up in the back line to free the skipper to score. The lead was soon extended as another player playing out of position, Ben Eden (this time on the wing), stepped the full back and the covering winger to score between the post. 7 minutes gone 14- 0 up...

Warley got on the scoreboard with a penalty, but with debutant fly half James Turner pulling the strings (despite some late and some might say illegal attention from the Warley 8) only failed final pass execution when destined to score stopped Aldridge extending their lead further. Another returnee Brad Russell glided through just before half time to score - Harry Baldock had now almost sobered up and continued his faultless display of kicking.

With the Aldridge head coach ringing the changes to rest and protect players for the Aston game, Warley scored early in the second half through their big winger, but James Turner soon restored the gap with a fine solo try, before Brad Russell completed his brace following a sustained period of pressure - both tries were converted by 'H'.

Final Score Warley 8 Aldridge 35

Head Coach Jon Arch...
"I asked the guys to go and get the result they deserved - and they delivered. "Skips" try was one of the best team tries I have seen on a rugby pitch at any level; Direct from kick off, 80 yards, in control, with discipline, pace, and power. When we get our offloading game right we are almost unplayable.

Was great to have big Josh back at 8 - he brings us so much go forward play, and I thought both the young props did a great job today. Adam Butler bossed the line-out and has added big ball carrying to his game which was what we wanted. James was superb at 10, despite the treatment he was given and i can't wait to see him play in his best position in the centres.

Lee Stokes put his hand up to play at full back and i thought he was superb, he ran with pace, and hit the line hard. And it was great to see Ben Eden score - he finished the try from 40 yards out with 3 players to beat like a winger ! !

The guys will now have a bit of a break, and hopefully be raring to go against Aston Old Eds on the 4th January. We are top at Christmas but we are just looking no further ahead than the next game - I am massively proud of the club, and of all the players but i have to single our our Director Of Rugby Jim Arnold - apparently he retired from 1st XV rugby 2 seasons ago... His work rate is superb, and he puts his body on the line every week; and today he put one hit on their 8 as he tried to score which was an example to every player in the club - sometimes you just need a BIG HEART and BIG BALLS.

I would like to thank everyone who came across to cheer us on, it could and should have been a lot more points, but I will take a bonus point win every week please ! !"