Walsall RFC has run the Fred Rowley Cup since 2003 in memory of their former club member. Stourbridge and Walsall are the only 2 teams to have played in it every year, with Stour winning the Cup in 2007 and Walsall in 2013, so there was a bit of history behind this semi-final clash.

The home team started the stronger, evidently determined to use their home advantage and progress in their own competition. After numerous forays into the Stour 22, they eventually crossed the line for an unconverted try after 13 minutes. From the restart, it was Walsall who retained possession and looked to be making in-roads towards the Stour try line. However, a turnover at the breakdown and a number of powerful breaks by the Stour back row and midfield put the away team into the Walsall 22. An infringement at the breakdown saw the Walsall No. 8 yellow carded and Stour made the most of the 10 minutes. Firstly, Ollie Swindells crossed over in the corner from the ensuing penalty, then Rob Aikman crashed through the middle of the Walsall defence to go in under the posts.

Walsall's No. 8 then returned to the pitch and was instrumental in helping their pack smash over the line with a rolling maul. On 35 minutes, a clever blindside move from the Walsall Scrum Half put him in unchallenged and the half-time score was 15-12 to the home team.

7 minutes into the second half Stour's No. 8, Charlie Jeavons-Fellows, smashed through the Walsall defence to restore the lead, which was extended further by Noony reaching for the line from a Stour rolling maul. Walsall then managed to gather their own restart and run an excellent try in under the posts, which was duly converted. With the score at 22 a piece, it could go either way in the last 20 minutes.

Stour then emptied the bench, which made an immediate impact, with Stour retaining the ball for longer periods and making great progress into the Walsall half. On 60 minutes this was rewarded with Jacob Piggott-Denison putting Jon Bailey into space for a score under the posts, which James Westwood converted. The score was now 22-29 to Stour, which is how it remained until the final whistle. The last 10 minutes were nail-biters with both teams playing some great rugby, but never quite breaking the line.

So Stourbridge progress to their second final on the trot, to face the same rivals as last year - Sutton Coldfield.

This was a great advert for Colts rugby, played with real commitment, spirit and passion by both sides - either team could have won.

As is tradition in the Fred Rowley Cup, the Men of the Match are picked by the organiser, Arnie Evans. A well-deserved MoM was awarded to Walsall's Scrum Half, Dan Carpenter, who made some great breaks from breakdowns to keep Walsall on the front foot. For Stour, Ollie Swindells, Harry Adams, Liam Kelly and Rob Aikman were given special mentions for their outstanding contributions, but MoM was awarded to Charlie Jeavons-Fellows, who surely topped the carries and metres gained stats - if only we had GPS fitted to them!

The final will be held at Walsall RFC on Tuesday 2nd May 2017 - KO 7:30pm. There was a sizeable Stour crowd at Walsall for the semi and a few more voices would be greatly appreciated. #COMEONSTOUR!!!!

13 mins	Try Walsall		5-0
19 mins	Try Ollie Swindells		5-5
24 mins	Try Rob Aikman	Con. James Westwood	5-12
30 mins	Try Walsall		10-12
35 mins	Try Walsall		15-12
HT			15-12
42 mins	Try Charlie Jeavons-Fellows		15-17
50 mins	Try Noony		15-22
52 mins	Try Walsall	Converted	22-22
60 mins	Try John Bailey	Con. James Westwood	22-29
FT			22-29

Pictures courtesy of Brian Aikman