Brods u17 win first silverware of the season.

Northern Division final of the National plate Competition.
Old Brods u17—13v8—Stoke on Trent.
Brods went to stoke on trent not knowing much about their opponents. They arrived in conditions not seen for some time, with the rain lashing down upon everyone , all eyes were on the ref and whether the game was on or off. Ko was 1.30 and it was decided we would call it at 1.20, about 1.15 the rain stopped and the clouds cleared so game on.
Brods kicked off, and from the start they knew they would have to work for every point. With the conditions very muddy many mistakes were made by both sides. Even so both teams were determined to play open rugby. A couple of breaks from Cole Wilson and Ollie Anderson put Brods on the front foot but stoke defence held. It was tit for tat for much of this half until Brods were awarded a penalty with Tom Wilson slotting it over to take the lead 0-3. Things carried on much the same with James Millington making yards and Jimmy Hodkinson controlling things in midfield, still unable to break the Stoke defence. Half time came and the score was still 0-3 to Brods.
The second half saw Stoke come out with new determination. They were shipping the ball to their big centre to try and bash midfield. Eventually Brods gave away a penalty allowing Stoke to equalise 3-3. Stoke now threw everything at Brods who defended well with George Ayrton and Jack Farley holding firm, causing Stoke to knock on. Some great running from fullback Conor Pollard put Brods deep in Stokes half. A driving maul which involved 90% of the Brods team saw Millington touch down to take the score to 3-8. Brods then started to control things better and great kicking by Tom Wilson put pressure on Stoke. Ayrton was next to score for Brods from some great rucking by Myles Watson and Joe Seally, allowing Sam Burford Eyre to shift good ball out to the backs. This was not the end for stoke who took a quick tap penalty and drove deep into Brods 22 for the first time. A lack of concentration saw Stoke drive over in the corner. 8-13 .
With ten minutes to go Brods pushed forward and went back up field. Again Stoke held firm and Brods ended the game looking strong but no more tries.
A great game in muddy conditions but Brods fitness and good use of subs saw them take the trophy in the end. A big thanks to Stoke who made all supporters and players welcome from the start, and with the trophy ceremony at the end being very gracious in defeat.
Brods now move onto the semi- finals of the plate against the midlands champions. Yet to be confirmed.