Sponsored by
Skipper’s rallying cry ahead of semi-final
Action from Stamford match against Old Newtonians earlier this season. Photo: MSMP081212-018ow
Stamford skipper Matt Albinson wants lots of noise when his side take on Stourbridge Lions in the Midlands Vase semi-final tomorrow.
Stourbridge won the Midlands competition last season but Albinson reckons home advantage may just swing tomorrow’s clash in Stamford’s favour.
“The extra couple of decibels may get us across the line,” said Albinson calling for the Stamford crowd to roar his side on.
“This is the business end of the season and we are ready to roll. We are unbeaten at home and they will not have the luxuries that they are used to.
“We are taking nothing for granted but we fully expect to come through this. It’s is a big opportunity for us.
“If we were going there I would say we would be underdogs but at home the tables are turned.
“We would love to get a good crowd. I do not want to be able to see past the sides of the pitch.”
Last Saturday, Stamford regained top spot in the Midlands 3 East (South) division with an impressive 33-20 win at Rugby St Andrews.
It was a victory that made amends for Stamford’s last league outing when they lost their unbeaten run with an insipid second half display against Rushden and Higham.
“We were never going to take them lightly; they were unbeaten at home,” said Albinson. “But we scored five tries and got the bonus point.
“A few of us were still rather annoyed that we lost at Rushden and Rugby got the backlash.
“It’s back in our hands now.”
Mark Taylor scored twice and Chris Fletcher, Bruce Parker and Tom Lindley all crossed over to score.
After letting Rugby reduce their strong lead just before the interval, Stamford restored their authority on the match in the second half.
“We were maybe a little naive in the last 20 minutes of the first half.
“We matched them physically. The momentum we showed, crashing through in support was excellent. We moved the ball quickly and our forwards gave us options.
“To go out and score team tries the way we did was very pleasing.”
Tomorrow’s match starts at 2pm.
Stamford: James Green, Cathal McHugh, Oli Story (Ethan Moss), Jake Wilkins, James Ragg, Tom Wire (Cameron Park), Tom Gulland, Bruce Parker, Matt Albinson, Tom Lindley, Chris Fletcher, Austin Schwartz, Mark Taylor, Robbie Smith, Matt Jane (Harry Offer).
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Stamford
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
