A statement from Neil Mitchell Director of Rugby on the Lions achievement: 'Congratulations to Stourbridge Lions gaining promotion with three games to spare.
The strategy at the beginning of the season was to get both teams promoted but with the 1’s back line being decimated twice with injuries that proved to be a bridge too far.

The Senior Coaching team of Mike Penn, James Rodley and Adam Sturdy have worked tirelessly with the senior squad over the last two seasons and the improvements in skill set, fitness and game management have proved there worth on the paddock.

There have been plenty of opportunities along the way for players to advance. The Westwood’s, Dan Johnson, Theo Shinton, Finn Hayward, Finn Morgan, Oli Clare, Ted Morgan and Tate Skinner have all had stints in the First XV this season having been a product of our junior ranks. Regular Lions players Ethan Gilbert, Russ Brown and Will Waterfield led by the steadfast Captain Dally have been key to the success of the side. The standout player however for me this season who embraces the ethos of the senior squad is Ben Furber who has improved significantly as a rugby player in the last 8 months.

Off field Hodge, Tim, Liam & Andy T have been invaluable in keeping the ship on course and the match day steer of JJ and Rich Thurston have all contributed to what has been a superb season of senior rugby at Stourbridge.

We are looking forward to further success and challenges for Stourbridge I’s & II’s next season with their step up to the next league'.

Match Report By Jacob John

Stourbridge 2s-45
Longton-15

Stour negotiated their promotion deciding game in routine fashion... eventually. Their nearest rivals lost away to Clee Hill anyway, so, as it transpired, they could have lost and still been promoted,but nonetheless, this has been a hard earned and richly deserved outcome, with 3 games to spare.

Guided expertly by James Dallison and James Westwood (captain and vice) throughout, this was the culmination of a lot of time and effort, not to mention sacrifice by players, coaches and management alike. Days like Saturday are just the showcase.

Tries by G Walker (2), George Westwood, Ethan Gilbert, Will Bishop and Ben Furber and a superb kicking display from James Westwood (15 pts).

The Lions match day coaches will now start preparations for level 7 and ensure that they can steer them to further success next season.