Tamworth RFC head coach Tom Franks says his side need to cut out indiscipline to make sure they stay in touch with the top two in Midland Two West North.
A 32-22 win over Spartans means Tamworth are third in the table, three points behind Wolverhampton and five adrift of Ludlow.
Next up is a trip to second from bottom Stafford and Franks is taking nothing for granted.
“I was delighted with the win over Spartans on Saturday but the one area we need to be careful of is the discipline side of things,” Franks said.
“If we are not careful, we could get stung by someone.
“We played some great rugby at the weekend which got us the win and the bonus point. I asked the lads to go out and be bold and I thought, going forward, particularly in the first half, we were outstanding.
“The one down side was that, instead of being about 15 points ahead, we were only four in front at halfway.
“If I am brutally honest that as because we kept them in the game. They scored from a try from our own error - they got an interception score from 50 yards out."
“And the penalties they scored were all enforced through our own indiscipline.
“It meant that we could get away from them. We couldn’t create the gap we needed and, as I say, that was down to our indiscipline.
“Fortunately, in the second half, we managed to stretch the lead and, as I say, it was a good win.
“We had five lads in there who were only 20 which is great for us going forward. Sid Wood, Connor Banham and MacAuley Green, who are all former colts, had outstanding games. As I say, we just need to be wary of the discipline side of things.”
Looking ahead to Stafford, Franks added: “When you get to the second half of the season, teams are chasing different things for different reasons.
“We are looking to stay in the race for the top two with Wolverhampton and Ludlow.
“Stafford are fighting for their lives at the bottom to stay in the league.
“They will look at this game and because it’s a home fixture they will have targeted it as one they want to win. And if we are serious about a tilt at the top two, we know we have to pick up a few more wins on the road as well as maintaining our home form.
“So it’s an important match for us both. If we can keep the ball for long periods and play the kind of attacking rugby we did against Spartans on Saturday then I think we can win the game.
“But sport is a funny thing and there could well be some shock results again in the league this weekend.
“We need to make sure we do our jobs and hopefully get the result we need.”
Meanwhile, Tamworth RFC under-16s emerged with a 39-14 win over Old Yardleians.
It was their first game back after the Christmas break and they did not disappoint.
Tamworth were right on it straight from the kick off and, but for some dogged defending from Old Yards, Tamworth would have scored. It took them ten minutes to break the opposition down through Oscar Wharton, who powered over the line from ten yards.
A lapse in concentration saw Old Yards score a converted try but Tamworth responded with two quick tries through Ben Child and Harvey Allen. Jake Thomas converted both tries.
Tamworth were now dominant and, right on half time, Tyler Hathaway scored a try from out of nothing from the half way line to make it 24-7.
The second half was all one-way traffic with Kadi Douglas scoring after only two minutes of his first game since September, after being out through injury.
Five minutes later, Harrison Vanstone crossed the line through sheer determination and, from the kick off, Tamworth collected the ball in their own half. The ball came to Alfie Dawe who crossed the line in the corner.
Old Yards then scored a consolation try with the last play to make it 39-14.
Tamworth RFC under-9s travelled to Coventry with a full squad of 20 players to play in a triangular fixture against Pinley and Wolverhampton.
The Saxons started slowly allowing the other teams to score some early tries but to their credit they worked hard to turn it round and ran in some quick tries too.
On small pitches the players often found themselves crowded out but when the Saxons moved the ball quickly they were able to find room in the other team’s defence.
These were hugely competitive games for the boys and girls against strong and well organised opposition.
Players of the week were Grayson Bell and Mason Hughes.
