1st October 2011
 
Essington 29 Stourport 0
 
League game
 
Essington welcomed Stourport RUFC at home for our third league game of the season. This was also a Vice presidents day, providing extra spectators. The weather was slightly sunny and hot, the pitch basking in unusual October sunshine making it an uncomfortable day for the players.
 
With Coatsey injured with a broken thumb and Wolvo with a broken arm (both out for 6 weeks) the team was once again subject to a few changes.
 
The back line was again changed around, but this only resulted in greater options for the coach. With Fran playing at centre, he showed his versatility by scoring within five minutes. This was converted by Ali. Stourport did well to hold Essington out, but it was frustrating to watch, with so many chances being missed or denied to players through players not releasing the ball early enough or preferring contact to passing. It was a frustrating afternoon for both wingers, both being denied ball. A penalty was conceded by Stourport for a high tackle which was despatched well by Ali. On the fortieth minute, Fran scored a second delightful try, rewarding Essington for their efforts in the blazing sun.
 
The second half continued in the same vein with game disrupted by simple errors and missed opportunities. Credit should be given to Stourport for their determined efforts in the line out and their hard scrimmaging which gave Essington a difficult afternoon. There were two further scores in the second half, both individual tries, firstly by Birty by making an excellent break and touching down and much later in the half, Kip scored by using his dynamic strength by breaking several tackles to score.
 
This was an excellent result maintaining zero points scored against us in the league. Having said that, opportunities were missed, with considerable amounts of time camped in the Stourport half.
Man of the match was Craig Mason for his continued improvement and effort.
 
Essington are away next week to Aldridge.