2nd XV Match Report

Being the only Stowmarket side in action this weekend Stowmarket 2nds had a good sized crowd watching them all hoping for a good win, and they didn't disappoint, with a number of 1st team players watching they must be fearing for the places in team selection this week.
Brightlingsea started the game strong with some big runners making good ground, and it looked like it was going to be a long afternoon from a Stowmarket perspective. However the pressure didn't last and after 10 minutes Brightlingsea had eased off and stow starting to play their game with thanks to captain Gavin Rudland giving some inspirational words.
The first of stows incredible 10 tries came from the very impressive Alex Lancaster with a pick up from number 8, next up was Scott Woolnough picking a great line to receive the ball off fly half Julian Turner for the first of Julian's many assists during the game.
Bradley Durrant playing his first game since breaking his arm at the end of last season showed he had the extra pace on his winger early on and used it to his advantage for stow 3rd try of the game.
Ali mason scored the first of his try's next after another break he received the final pass off Julian Turner to score under the posts, Scott Woolnough got his brace completed just before the half with Ali mason now playing the provider to give Scott an easy score under the sticks.
Half time and Stowmarket cruising, Brightlingsea had other ideas come the second half, making a couple of changes who instantly made an impact with hard running lines, Stowmarket were unable to handle the pressure and Brightlingsea got their only try of the game.
Stow soon changed that instantly getting the ball wide at every opportunity, Chris Southgate, who had only came on at half time, soon proved that his pace hasn't slowed down with a quick double of his own, both times beating his opposite man. Southgate's double was broken up by a powerful run and try from young front row Malakai Pearson, carrying a few opposition players over with him.
Ali mason then secured his double running in unopposed from 30 metres.
Stow last try of the day was maybe the most unexpected, Mark Allen, a very good player however not known for his pace, surprised everybody. Breaking from half way, beating the opposite winger, and stepping round the fullback to score under the posts to complete the scoring, with Julian Turner slotting 8 out of 10 kicks
Final score 66-5

Man of the match can't have been an easy choice, but in the end it was given to Alex Lancaster for the forwards and Ali mason for the backs. There was also some great work in the front row from captain Rudland, Russel and Malakai against a much heavier pack.

With so many younger players coming through, Matt Boulton, Ben Rookard, Jack Wilson, Ben Mayes, just to name a few I cant help but think that Stowmarket's season is going to be a very impressive one, keep playing, keep training and I guarantee you will all get a shot in the Ones at some point!