Stanford RFC determined not to lose out (From Thurrock Gazette)

Stanford 1st string have the measure of Phantoms

10:50am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Sport

Stanford 1sts 39

Phantoms 5

RUGBY: THE Stanford first string took this well deserved away win by displaying guts and skill.

After two weeks of coming close Stanford were determined not to be runners-up again.

And the points started to come early when, after just two minutes Stanford were awarded a penalty for their pressure and Ashley Smith kicked the first three points of the day.

Stanford’s pack were in defiant mood and the first two scrums both were won against the head thanks to Mark Harvey’s precise hooking. With Harvey winning the ball the platform was set. Liam Morley picked up from the back of the scrum and linked with Ash Smith who drove through and then converted his own try.

But Stanford suffered a major blow when Jamie Evans twisted his knee and found he could not continue in the game.

Not having an experienced scrum half could have been a problem, but Matthew Rumble put himself forward to play in the pivotal role. A quick restructure saw Danny Jackson – making his first first team appearance of the season – at centre and making an instant impact for the side.

Stanford played some great rugby, with the pack dominant and the backs allowed time to run. On 32 minutes Morley was driven over the line by the pack and Smith made sure of the extra points.

But Phantoms began to claw their way back into the game and early in the second the Stanford skipper demanded more of his men who answered when Morley scored triesnumber three and four, and Gary Burke went route one, handing off players at will only to be brought down just metres from the try line. Smith again found his mark.

On the hour Gareth Beach gave way to Darren Latter and Aaron Smith for Max Murphy.

With 12 minutes left Stanford again stepped up a gear and Smith added more points from a penalty. The final points of the match came from Matthew Rumble.

With the final whistle blown Stanford had taken their first win of the season (39-5) with a bonus point earned for the number of tries. Stanford’s first string have a rest next week but on the October 20 they host May & Baker at home.