Due to injuries and school commitments the Wildcats took the field against Walton with only 12 available players meaning this was always going to be the uphill battle it turned out to be. An even start saw both teams test each others defence and it was the hosts that took the lead with a good try out wide with the Wildcats lacking in numbers. The conversion was missed leaving the Wildcats trailing 4-0. Not to be outdone it was the Wildcats came roaring back with a well worked try from Lewis Gower. The conversion was successful from Jacob Unwin. This was a lead that Stanley kept up to the half time whistle.
The second half was as tight as the first half and it was Stanley that almost doubled their lead when they were held up desperately short of the try line under the Walton posts. This was the wake up call Walton seemed to require as they took full advantage of the slope and the numerical advantage to register the next score and with the conversion successful this gave the hosts a lead they were to keep. After some tireless work from Stanley it was inevitable that Walton would take a grip on the game and this was exactly what happened. Some good open passing from Walton and direct running saw them increase the lead with 3 further tries and 2 conversions to ensure they won their first outing of the season. The scoreline was a little harsh on a very tired Stanley 12 as they put in some outstanding effort and work and on a couple of occasions almost scored further tries through Robert Hartley and Ben Fisher.
A very creditable overall performance from Stanley and with a full squad the score and result could have been very different. This however does not take away a very good performance from a strong Walton team playing their first game of the season.
Coaches Man of the Match - Jack Shillito; Parents Man of the Match - Harry Shillito; Magic Moment - Lewis Gower.
