After an already up and down season from the Lions, they went into this game with Stafford confident that they could build on the previous weeks win against Shrewsbury and produce a settled performance.

Despite the awful weather conditions, early signs were positive, with 95% of the first 20 mins being played in the Stafford half, even with the Lions playing in to the wind. Both teams were understandably making mistakes, playing with a bar of soap, however Stour were playing smart rugby and forcing Stafford back via the boots of their half backs and then capitalising on mistakes and playing some decent phases considering the conditions.

What started to become worrying was the number of chances that went begging for Stour 5 metres out from the line by trying to force one too many passes rather than recycling the ball and continuing the phases. Almost Stafford’s first entry into the Lion’s half, after about 25 mins, produced a shot at goal, however this drifted wide.

Just before half time Stafford gained some momentum by playing the phases through some strong forward carries, which took them into Stour’s 22 and after a couple of minutes of valiant Lion’s defending on their line, the pressure was too much and a Stafford forward bundled over for a try.

Shell shocked Stour suddenly found themselves 0-5 down at half time, knowing that the 20-25 points had gone begging for them, which on a day like this would have taken the game out of a contest.

Stourbridge came out strongly in the second half and again got themselves into good positions but unfortunately the story was the same with mistakes occurring at vital moments. Stafford to their credit, despite their very limited game plan, took their chances and managed to nudge their lead further ahead on two occasions throughout the second half with two penalties, the second of which was a superb kick against the wind on the angle.

The Lions never gave up, which was good to see and their efforts were finally rewarded with the last play of the game with good interplay between both the backs and forwards. The play was finally finished off well by Tibbetts in the corner, followed by a great touchline conversation from Wilson. The game finished 7-11.

An extremely frustrating day for all involved, especially as the Lions played the majority of the game well but were given a lesson by their opposition in taking their chances.