Battling Stafford secure last-gap win
Stafford started their Midlands 2 West (North) campaign in style as they came out on top of an action-packed clash at Leek.
The game served up six tries, three yellow cards and two red cards but it was the visitors who were celebrating at the end following a 26-22 victory.
An early Leek penalty opened the scoring but Stafford soon hit back.
A spell of pressure saw the home side temporarily reduced to 14 following a yellow card.
Stafford launched a series of bruising attacks ending in Carl Williams grounding the ball for a try, which was converted by Christian Ureche.
With a full compliment on the pitch the Leek forwards just had the edge on a competitive Stafford pack and they bullied their way across the line for a try.
Two successive yellow cards saw Stafford down to 13 and despite some tenacious defending, Leek eventually grabbed a second try to lead 13-7 at the break.
Restored to a full 15 early in the second half, Stafford settled into their game plan as they smashed into every contact.
Several phases of savage rugby finally saw Gareth Ley propelled over by his team-mates for a try, with Ureche making sure of the conversion.
Both sides had a player red-carded and a scrappy period saw the hosts land a penalty to nose in front.
Stafford rallied again with Jerry Qasenivalu tearing down the wing for a try.
However, two more Leek penalties saw them lead by three with time running out.
But Stafford were not to be denied and with the clock in the red, Carl Williams battered his way over for the winning try of the game, converted by Louis Dewsbury.
