Stafford 11 vs. Dixonians 38

Dixonians made it 3 from 3 with another strong victory against a solid Stafford team determined to entertain their home support. Stafford scrum started well with Dixonians struggling to combat while ignoring the invaluable advice of ‘push harder’. However one of the keys reasons for the recent success has been due to Dixonians ability to score with in the first 10 minutes and the same happened here. It was started by a great break by Damian Webb on half way and finished by the Fijian heartbreaker Wisey racing away to score in the corner. Dickon continued from where he left off last week with by adding the extras. Despite Dixonians forwards unable to get foothold in the match, the backs were beginning to demonstrate their talents. A good pick up from Rob Bell and a break blind resulted in Jon Shankland chipping ahead. He was then taken out and went out like a footballing pansy but Dickon continued on to finish under the posts after beating his man with a spin that the late Michael Jackson would have been proud off. He added the extras and a penalty a few minutes later. The Stafford full back was sin binned for the late hit on Shanks. This should have encouraged Dixonians to push on, instead Stafford seemed to rally. They were rewarded with a penalty which was converted even though their kicker was clearly having a go at the cross bar challenge.

Half Time Score: 17-3

The second half kicked off with Stafford continuing to press and with Dixonians continuing to give away a huge amount of penalties at the break down, it was not long before Stafford were presented with a another kickable opportunity, which was duly converted. Dixonians fitness, superior ability, organisation and good looks began to make the difference and a steal at the line out led to Dixonians 3^rd try. Fly half Robbie Holden made a half break before off loading to Mike Lynch who took the ball up. 2 more quick phases following good carries from Danny Easton and Alex McIntosh allowed Robbie Holden to break through the defensive line to score under the posts which was converted. Dixonians now seemed to have the measure of the slowing Stafford team. A great turn over by Noel Spillane and good hands from Tim Hodson and Robbie Holden gave Shanks a clear run to the line. As ever he made a meal of it by looking for the biggest guy to run into instead of finishing. Fortunately he slipped which caused him the beat the last man and he reluctantly put the ball under the posts. He was already making a strong case for Dick of the Day. Paul Rotheram obviously irritated that all his housemates had been on the score board decided to take things into his own hands from the resulting kick off. With the ball clearly not travelling the 10 metres, he leapt like a salmon to collect the ball and with little regard for the advice from his team mates to ‘leave it’ he set off down the pitch. He eventually ended up under the posts with little to no one bothering to support. This was the last real positive from the game, with Dixonians continuing to give away penalties in the red zone. The first to be sin binned was Mike Lynch for coming in from the side. This was then compounded by Steve Roberts also going into the bin a few minutes later for lying on the wrong side. However once these two were removed the penalty count seemed to drop dramatically. Now down to 13 men Dixonians were helpless to prevent Stafford scoring in the corner. The match then became a bit flat with Dixonians struggling to put together the final pass which kept the pressure on. Mike Lynch was saved from a red card in the dying minutes by the Stafford captain telling the ref not to bother. Mike later got Dick of the Day for sending off avoidance which was awarded after nominations from players from both teams. Dixonians saw out the game for a good win to remain top of the table with Number 8 and Captain Paul Rotheram being voted Man of the Match.

Full Time Score Stafford: 11 – Lordwords Dixonians: 38 (48 Second Avenue: 20)

Dixonians look to continue their great start to the league with a home encounter this Saturday against Stourbridge Lions, kick off at 3pm.