It was another weekend of challenging conditions for Stourbridge's senior sides, with the First XV maintaining their unbeaten league record at Lutterworth, the Lions sharing the points with Burntwood at Stourton Park and the Hoppers returning from Ludlow.

First XV: Lutterworth 8–12 Stourbridge

Five games, five victories for Stourbridge's First XV, who returned from Lutterworth with four valuable league points following one of their toughest tests of the season so far.

Director of Rugby Neil Mitchell described the weather as "the most atrocious conditions I have seen in 20 years", with driving wind and rain making life extremely difficult for both sides.

Playing into the wind during the opening 40 minutes, Stourbridge found themselves pinned inside their own half for almost 35 minutes. Despite Lutterworth enjoying the considerable advantage of the conditions, an outstanding defensive effort restricted the hosts to very few opportunities.

Stour managed to keep a clean sheet until the final play of the half, when a somewhat dubious penalty was awarded to Lutterworth. The successful kick gave the home side a narrow 3–0 advantage at the interval.

Any hopes of enjoying the wind at their backs in the second half were quickly dashed as the weather changed direction, with the wind now blowing across the pitch and offering little advantage to either side.

Lutterworth continued to battle, using their home pitch well and making Stourbridge work for every opportunity.

In conditions that made expansive rugby virtually impossible, Will Barradell crossed for his first try for the First XV, with Jack Teague adding the conversion. Dan Rundle then added the decisive try to secure a hard-earned 12–8 victory.

Reflecting on the performance, Mitchell was full of praise for his players.

"Probably one of the most resilient efforts I've seen in all my time at Stourbridge."

"Although the score doesn't suggest it, and it wasn't the most dynamic game to watch, I was very impressed with the resilience and commitment of all my players."

For Mitchell, the result was about much more than another four league points.

"Games like this in the past, Stourbridge would have probably not seen it through, but to get a victory and four points in these conditions, I was very impressed and it bodes very well for the future."

It may not have been the most entertaining afternoon of rugby, but the determination and character shown by this Stourbridge side will undoubtedly please the coaching team.

Lions: Stourbridge Lions 19–19 Burntwood

The Lions welcomed Burntwood to Stourton Park on Saturday afternoon, with both sides having to contend with the difficult weather conditions.

The game finished 19–19, with the Lions securing a share of the points.

A full match report from Lions coach JJ will follow.

Hoppers: Ludlow 2nd XV 24–12 Stourbridge Hoppers

The Hoppers travelled to Ludlow on Saturday for their latest league fixture, returning home following a 24–12 defeat.

A full match report will follow.

Looking Ahead: Stourbridge's 150th Anniversary Fixture
Saturday 31st October | Stourbridge v Moseley Oak | Stourton Park

Next Saturday promises to be a particularly special occasion as Stourbridge Rugby Football Club celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Our First XV welcome Moseley Oak to Stourton Park, a fitting fixture against the club believed to have been our very first opponents back in 1876.

There are plenty of plans in place to make the day memorable, including a special anniversary pre-match lunch, a commemorative matchday programme celebrating the club's history.

The pre-match lunch is priced at £26.50 per person, including match entry - book in HERE

Upcoming Matches