Stamford ended the three-year unbeaten home record of Stewart and Lloyds after a superb success on Saturday. The purple, black and whites recorded a 6-18 victory in the Counties 1 Midlands East (South) clash to bring an end to the Corby team's run of 26 consecutive home victories. Stamford had made the short trip down the A43 expecting a tough encounter against a newly-promoted side who had won two of their opening games.
However, Matt Albinson and George Cox's side were buoyed by their 46-14 victory over Newbold on Avon the previous weekend where Stamford had produced an excellent free-flowing display. Selection was due to be a headache for Albinson and Cox with players returning from long term unavailability and injury. But injuries were picked up on Thursday night at training, creating a reshape in the backline but lessening the selection 'decisions' that were due to be made.
Iain Downer, Tristan Small and Pete Hurrell had all been in the mix for selection but became unavailable due to injury or illness. Michael Kendall, who sustained a foot injury the previous week, now looks to be out for the foreseeable future with a fracture and possible ligament damage. However, such is the strength in depth this year that the alternative players that were brought into the squad did not weaken the side in any way shape or form.
With Hurrell missing, Lewis Lancaster came into inside centre to partner fellow centre Freddie Hill while Tom Chesworth returned to fly half and James Wilson, .
