Match Day Report - 1XV

1st XV match report - Sat 6th Sept 2025 Venue Stoke-on-Trent RUFC, K.O. 1500 hrs.

Stoke kicked off, immediately pressed back into their 22m where they conceded a penalty, converted by Joel James. Pen 5 mins 0-3 to Old Salts. 

The next 10 mins defined the game with the Old Salts pack dominating the scrums and Tom Lee punishing penalties with 20m to 35m territorial gains.

Inevitably, Old Salts pack drove Stoke against the head from their 5m line for a Dan Fentham try. Try 11 mins 0-8 to Old Salts.

22 mins, a high tackle Red card for Stoke's 7, left Stoke with 14 men they used width and pace and scored under the Salts posts after poor left-wing defence on the Salts 10m. Try 35 mins 7-8.

Old Salts replied immediately with hard carries and slick hands to their right wing, Ryan Wiggin scored for Old Salts. Try 39 mins 7-15.

Rare Stoke pressure at the end of 1st half on Salts line, a Yellow card for Adam Lee, Old Salts cleared their lines.

2nd Half surprised Old Salts when their restart was returned down the right for a Stoke try, converted. 42 mins 14-15

Again Old Salts scored immediately, another scrum penalty, kick to touch, a catch and drive try, Dan Fentham touching down. 44 mins 14-20

Stoke showed great fitness and held on for 21 mins until under pressure by Matt Roe on his debut, Stoke fumbled on their 22m and Roe gathered and ran it in for a try, converted. 66 mins 14-27 Old Salts.

The game concluded as it started with immense Old Salts scummaging pressure for a penalty try. 75 mins Stoke 14-34 Old Salts 

An opening 5 points is a deserved reward for a great start to the season.

Tries - Fenthan (2) Wiggin & Roe, Cons - James (3) Pens - James (1)

Final Score Stoke 14-34 Old Salts

      Mick Lee

 Vice Chairman