Stanford 1st XV 0 vs 70 Ilford 1st XV
BY GRAHAM LOUGHRAN
THE first game back after the Christmas break and Stanford were still suffering from a down turn in form.
Ilford were the clear winners in this meeting. Earlier in the season Stanford and pushed Ilford all the way and it would have been nice to think that another thrilling game was on the cards but Ilford’s game play was no match for the Stanford side and it was a very one sided affair.
There were some good moments with Line breaks from Calum Reid, Gary Burke and Ash Smith but were unable capitalise on their play. Jamie McDermott and Adam Gander in thier first season of union rugby continue to impress. A 1st team sdebut was given to colt Nick Sharpe who came on at half time for injured Aaron Smith.
Sharpe had got stuck in and showed some good confident plays. The real down side to the game for Stanford was another three injuries to key players hopefully they are not serious or long term, which with out trying to use as an excuse has caused Stanford slump in performance since early December.
On the up side a massive pat on the back must go the players who have stood and been counted to pull on the shirt and despite losing have come back for more each week with determination so thank you.
