Lions win local derby Vs Kidderminster

With the referee turning up 30 minutes after the game should have started both sides in this local derby were left wondering if the inevitable gloom would mean the game would be cut short. Kidderminster won the toss and wisely opted to give themselves the best chance by taking advantage of the slope and wind.

Kidderminster used the wind and opted to kick at every opportunity. After 15 minutes this tactic paid dividends when their kick found touch in the Stourbridge 22. They stole the lineout a couple of quick passes and some sloppy Stourbridge defending saw them score near the posts. The converted tray giving them a 0-7 lead. The try seemed to galvanise the home side who took the opportunity to run the ball at Kidderminster who conceded a penalty which was converted by Owen Williams. 3-7 after 25 minutes.

For the remainder of the half Stourbridge were in the ascendency which was helped by Kidderminster being regularly penalised by the referee. Stourbridge put a high kick deep into the Kidderminster corner, caught the ball and were held up illegally 10 meters form the line. The offending Kidderminster playing receiving a 10 minute “rest” Owen Williams converted the penalty to make the score 6-7.
With only a few minutes lefty in the half a well-judged Stour kick to the right corner was safely gathered by George Tildsley who crossed for and unconverted try. Giving the home side an 11-7 interval lead.

The 2nd half carried with the same pattern with Kidderminster probing the Stourbridge defence which remained resolute. The Lions counter attacked at every opportunity and soon found acres of space wide on the Kidderminster left where the ball found touch. Kidderminster took a quick throw which came as shock to both the Kidderminster pack and backs. Form the resulting scramble the Lions moved the ball out wide for a simple try in the corner for Will Fallows. The conversion attempt struck the near post leaving Stourbridge 16-7 in front and in control.

A further penalty by Owen Williams made the score to 19-7. Kidderminster then threw the kitchen sink at Stourbridge in an attempt to gain a losing bonus point. Stout defence by the Lions and favourable decisions from the referee ensured that Kidderminster gained nothing from there endeavours. Before it turned pitch black the referee blew for full time. 19- 7 on the day and the 3rd win on the trot for the Lions !

No small task next week as The Lions take on unbeaten league leaders Mosley Oak at Stourton Park.