Stanford le Hope 52, Kings Cross Steelers 15 RUGBY: STANFORD overcame Kings X Steelers with a dominant second half performance.

Stanford’s 1sts started well enough, dominating possession and position for the first few minutes of the match and looked like scoring until a handling error allowed the Steelers left winger to fly-hack the ball the length of the pitch to score a try against the run of play.

Stanford equalised with a try of their own and were again pressing the visitors' defence when another handling error resulted in a try for the Steelers.

Although Stanford were playing good rugby, the Kings Cross forwards had the upper hand in the first period. The visitors scored once more before the break to leave the score at half-time at 5-15.

The wind was to the home side's advantage in the second half and they used it well, with excellent tactical kicking by fly half Callum Reid and the big boot of centre Grant Ferguson.

There then followed a remarkable period when the home side scored 47 points without reply from the Steelers.

As the second half progressed, Stanford slowly got on top with a combination of shrewd tactical play and superior fitness wearing down a big Steelers pack.

This resulted in some excellent running rugby by the backs, with winger Charlie Windsor scoring a hat-trick and fellow backs Dan Fox, Sam Herbert and Liam Morley also scoring. Hooker Matt Murphy and flanker Ryan Trigg also scored, with Grant Ferguson scoring six conversions. Steve Anstee, Robin O’Connell and Liam Fitzpatrick were the players who stepped up to play for the opposition.