Royals Run Riot in Dominant Victory Over Stallions

Worcester saw off a struggling Staffordshire Stallions this afternoon winning 58 - 0 as they finished off 2015 in the best possible manner.

Looking to bounce back following three consecutive defeats Worcester knew that holding their discipline and executing on both sides of the ball would be paramount if they were to enjoy an early Christmas gift.

From start to finish the Royals did what was needed by dominating on defence, creating numerous turnovers and shutting out the Staffordshire attack. On the offense it was a similar story as they drove down the field on every possession, connecting with big passes for scores , culminating in an all round solid performance.

Worcester now find themselves with a 2 - 3 record going into the Christmas break and facing a big challenge if they're to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However looking back on today’s performance they will have every chance of securing victory in each of their final three match ups.

Royals won the toss and elected to receive the ball for a second week running, seeking to set the tone and assertate their dominance early on. With the first drive came the first score, QB Kieran Salais hitting an open Matt Cole who took it the distance for a Royals touchdown, opening out a quick 6 - 0 lead after the PAT was botched.

Next it was the turn of the Staffordshire offense to take on a Royals defense that more than held their own when faced with the high powered NTU attack last weekend. Different week, same outcome as on the first drive of the game Linebacker Ross Stephenson caught his second interception in his second start, on the oppositions first drive of the game. A perfect start for the Royals defense setting up the Worcester O with another great opportunity to score.

The Royals had the momentum and they made it count as RB Mike Harris, making his return from injury after three games out with an ankle injury, caught another pass off Salais to extend the hosts lead. Rookie RB Cameron Edkins, getting his first start of the season, punched in the 2pt conversion and suddenly Worcester led 14 - 0.

Following a quick three and out and a fumbled snap on the punt by the Stallions, Worcester once again had the ball in their hands near the Staffs goal line. Edkins received the handoff and ran it in for his second score of the game in what was quickly becoming a dream debut for the rookie. Matt Cole caught a pass off Salais for the 2pt conversion as Worcester opted not to kick for points due to a sodden Moors pitch.

The scoreline was starting to look very good in the Royals favour and following another forced three and out by the defense, Salais found receiver Joe Tate for a big score. The 2pt attempt was unsuccessful but with Worcester cruising with 28 - 0 lead the game was starting to escape an increasingly frustrated Stallions side.

For the first time in the game Staffordshire began moving the ball on offense getting close to the first down marker. On fourth and short they went for it with the QB sneak but with good pressure the Royals defensive stopped them short, turning it over on downs and handing the ball back to their offense with very good field position once again.

Another pass by Salais, another TD from WR Joe Tate and Worcester would make it to the half leading 34 - 0 fafter the 2pt conversion was unsuccessful.

Kicking away the ball to start the second half the Worcester defense would come onto the field looking to continue their dominance shown in the first two quarters. The Stallions woes would worsen when their QB found Royals LB Oliver Kirby who intercepted his attempted pass taking it back for the TD, the first by the Royals defense this year. Rookie RB Dan Bown followed up the defensive score trundling in for the 2pt conversion giving Worcester a commanding 42 point lead.

On the next drive for Staffs their problems worsened further. Following a quick three and out Worcester sent everyone to block the punt and the pressure told, safety Joel Long getting his hands up and blocking the punt. This moment was capitalised by LB Will Thompson scooping the loose ball and taking it the short distance into the endzone for the score.

Two drives and two defensive TD’s for the Royals as their total breached the 50 point mark for the first time ever in the club's history after a successful 2pt conversion by QB Salais on the run.

Staffordshire, to their credit, were still fighting to the very end even though they were struggling to make any impact on the game. Backup QB Matt Cole, stepping over from receiver, took his opportunity to impress finding an open James Deady for the score, recording his first ever passing touchdown as a Royal. The 2pt conversion was good once again as Worcester’s lead now read 58 - 0.

This is how it would finish and the Royals could go into the Christmas break celebrating a second victory on the year, reigniting their hopes of making it to the playoffs and achieving a second successive winning season.

Today’s impressive performers were hard to choose but on defense the accolade goes to outside linebacker Joe McKenna who dominated his side of the field recording two sacks, creating constant pressure in the Stallions backfield.

On the offense the day’s top pick for player of the game went to the rookie Cameron Edkins following an impressive first start in a Royals shirt, making frequent gains on the ground and even notching two scores to his name.

With over a month now until Worcester’s next game, a home contest against University of Nottingham on January 31st, they will have a chance to rest up and prepare for what’s going to be massive second half of the season.

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