Sunday 19th February 2012 dawned with bright winter sunshine following an overnight frost, however the pitch was not affected and the previously postponed game was able to go ahead. The boys, who usually play with passion, were reminded of the importance of today's game, it being the quarter finals of the Staffordshire County Cup.

The game started with Longton's number 10, Josh, kicking into the strong wind, the flags on the corners permanently standing out as though solid. The kick was nicely weighted so that alythough caught by Willenhall's second row the Longton pack were already on to them. For the next 10 minutes the play remained in the Willenhall half. The Willenhall play was good quality with them for large parts keeping possession but Longton not allowing them to take advantage of it. Eventually Longton's pressure paid dividends with them being awarded a penalty for offside. Josh, as ever a good decision maker opted to attempt the kick for the posts. Whilst not a straight forward kick it was one that he would normally expect to get, however with the wind the ball passed wide of the posts, Willenhall caught the ball and moved straight into Longton's embrace. After a further passage of play Willenhall were finally able to kick the ball, with the wind behind it, to clear their lines.

At this Willenhall were able to start putting pressure on Longton, with them becoming camped in the Longton half for some time. During this Willenhall were given a penalty just inside Longton's 22, however due to a moments indiscipline they were marched back a further 10 metres. Willenhall opted to take a quick tap and run for Longton's try line, after several such attempts had been thwarted Willenhall's determination won through and they scored a hard worked for try. They were then able to successfully convert it.

Longton 0 Willenhall 7

If anything this galvanised Longton into upping their tempo, no easy task as both teams were working hard. The pack working hard to gain and retain the ball along with the backs using their skills and speed to push accross the gain line. Willenhalls defence was largely equal to this however following a good passage of running and passing from the centre combination of Taz and Suli, Suli was able to break through then make the 20 metre run to cross the try line just to the right of the visitor's posts. Josh converted for the further 2 points.

Longton 7 Willenhall 7

Shortly after this the half time whistle was blown.

The second half saw Longton playing with the wind at their backs. Both teams had obviously benefitted from a good talk from their Coaches as both teams were obviously resolved to make the game their own. Play was again fairly evenly matched with good passages of play from both teams each answering each others attacks with quality defence. As often happens with these things something eventually gives and Willenhall were able to cross the Longton tryline for a well deserved try. The conversion was attempted though not successful.

Longton 7 Willenhall 12

Longton were urged by their coaches on the side lines to keep pushing, not that they needed much telling. With about 5 minutes to go Willenhall were confident that the victory was theirs with their Coaches urging them to slow the game down and coast into the final whistle, however, Longton weren't having that. Longton were in possession of the ball on the half way mark, Josh kicked forward having noticed the visitors full back was further forward then perhaps he should have been, the ball chased by Longton hit the ground behind the visitors 15, who nevertheless managed to rum back and dive onto it making it his, however immediately following the full back standing he was engulfed by Longton players, Matt P, No8, snatched the ball from his grip the dived over Willenhall's tryline just infront and in between the posts. And how the team, coaches, parents and supporters cheered.

Josh successfully kicked the conversion

Longton 14 Willenhall 12

Shortly after this the final whistle was blown.