SENIOR RUGBY ROUND-UP: SIX FROM SIX AS STOURBRIDGE CELEBRATE 150 YEARS

It was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Stourbridge Rugby Club's three senior men's sides, with the First XV celebrating the club's 150th anniversary in style, while the Lions and Hoppers faced difficult away fixtures.

The First XV continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 41-22 victory over Moseley Oak at Stourton Park, making it six wins from six. Meanwhile, the Lions suffered a 55-7 defeat at Newport (Salop), and a depleted Hoppers squad went down 67-10 away to Greyhound.

FIRST XV: STOURBRIDGE 41 – 22 MOSELEY OAK
Six wins from six on a historic anniversary afternoon

150 years after Moseley are believed to have faced Stourbridge in the club's very first match, Moseley Oak returned to Stourton Park to provide a fitting challenge for our anniversary celebrations.

Now Birmingham Moseley's Second XV, the visitors have risen to Regional One and proved to be among the strongest sides Stourbridge have faced at home this season.

Director of Rugby Neil 'Mitch' Mitchell was full of praise for the opposition.

"Moseley Oak are a very spirited side, one of the best sides so far playing at Stourton Park. They were able to play both in the backs and forwards to a very high standard."

Moseley Oak's dominance at the lineout made for a difficult contest, but Stourbridge's strength in depth proved important as the game progressed.

Mitch highlighted the tactical advantage of having five replacements available this season, compared with three last year.

"We now have the strength to bring on players who can lift the performance, rather than sometimes having to make changes purely out of positional necessity. It gives us far more flexibility to chop and change tactically."

Stourbridge produced some excellent tries, combining strong set-piece play with moments of individual brilliance. Among the highlights was a sweeping attack from a scrum just outside the Stourbridge half, with Michael Heaney creating the opportunity to release Rudi Salisbury on the wing.

Liam Wordley, Callum Kennedy and Rudi Salisbury all crossed the line, while Dan Rundle and Mike Penn each scored twice. Connor Adams added two conversions, with Penn also successful from the tee.

Despite the 41-22 victory, Mitch felt the final score perhaps flattered Stourbridge given the quality of Moseley Oak's performance.

Nevertheless, six consecutive victories represent an excellent start to the season, with attention now turning to a potentially significant fixture away at Newport.

"We go to Newport with confidence. This is a real test and may well be a season definer or decider come April 2027."

Try scorers
- Liam Wordley (available to sponsor)
- Dan Rundle (2), sponsored by RSC Installations
- Mike Penn (2), available to sponsor
- Callum Kennedy, sponsored by the Clockfields Massive
- Rudi Salisbury, sponsored by Christina Edwards

Conversions: Connor Adams (2), Mike Penn (1)

Player of the Match: Jack Teague
Congratulations to Jack, a product of our Mini & Junior pathway, on another well-deserved Player of the Match award.

The victory provided a fitting conclusion to a memorable afternoon at Stourton Park, with generations of players, members and supporters coming together to celebrate 150 years of Stourbridge Rugby.

LIONS: NEWPORT (SALOP) 55 – 7 STOURBRIDGE LIONS
Lions suffer difficult afternoon at Newport

It was another challenging afternoon for the Lions, who travelled to Newport (Salop) with a squad affected by late disruption and injuries.

Facing a strong Newport side bolstered by returning First XV players, the Lions struggled to establish any sustained rhythm, although there were glimpses of what the team is capable of when possession was retained.

Lions coach JJ reflected on the afternoon:

"Another chastening day for the Lions, when late disruption and injuries made for some disconnected play and against a side bolstered by returning first team players.

"Stour started well but some missed tackles and skill errors let Newport in and a flurry of scores left the Lions well adrift. Tom Thatcher Wynne and Archie Samuels provided sparks and Stour had opportunities, but weren't able to finish."

Despite the difficulties, the Lions continued to work hard and were rewarded when John Lenton Jinks crossed for a try following a period of more cohesive play.

James Westwood added the conversion.

JJ continued:

"A try by John Lenton Jinks, who offered himself tirelessly throughout to carry ball and tackle, was reward for some cohesive play and a glimpse of what Stour could do when ball was retained. James Westwood converted.

"Newport were relentless, powerful and organised and it was another heavy defeat, sadly."

John Lenton Jinks was named Player of the Match for his tireless contribution in attack and defence.

The Lions now have a much-needed weekend off before welcoming high-flying Crewe to Stourton Park on Saturday 14th November.

Try scorer: John Lenton Jinks - available to sponsor
Conversion: James Westwood - available to sponsor
Player of the Match: John Lenton Jinks - available to sponsor

HOPPERS: GREYHOUND 67 – 10 STOURBRIDGE HOPPERS
Hoppers battle to the end against impressive Greyhound side

A depleted Stourbridge Hoppers squad made the journey to Hereford to face Greyhound RFC in the Merit League, suffering a 67-10 defeat against a home side enjoying a remarkable resurgence.

With just 16 players available, the Hoppers faced a difficult afternoon against strong opposition. Despite the scoreline, the visitors continued to battle, with Steve Kendrick powering over for his first try.

Hoppers captain Mike Steven praised the commitment of his players while also paying tribute to the opposition, whose progress both on and off the pitch has been impressive.

Mike said:

"A squad of just 16 Hoppers made the trip down to Hereford to play Greyhound RFC who had 20-odd lads eager to play. It was definitely not our day, but the attitude and commitment demonstrated was epitomised by Steve Kendrick who powered over for his first try. All 16 players fought to the end.

"Real congratulations need to go to Greyhound though. 3 years ago, they didn't have enough for a full side, last year they finished bottom of the Merit League. Now, they have grown to 25+ lads all training twice a week and they are the best hosts in the game. Jugs of beer were brought to our changing room and their players were queuing up to offer us a beer post-match.

"Rugby participation numbers are down, yet at Greyhound they are bucking the trend. They keep growing numbers and talent, the clubhouse was buzzing and they had a very vocal and enthusiastic crowd.

"It's never nice to lose, but sometimes it's good that some people who deserve it get to win."

While the Hoppers will be disappointed with the result, credit goes to all 16 players who made the journey and fought until the final whistle.

Congratulations to Steve Kendrick on scoring his first try, and to Greyhound RFC for their performance, hospitality and the work they are doing to grow grassroots rugby.

While results across our three senior sides were mixed, the weekend was another reminder of the commitment and spirit that have been at the heart of Stourbridge Rugby Club for 150 years.

From the First XV extending their unbeaten run to six matches in front of a fantastic anniversary crowd, to the Lions and Hoppers continuing to represent the club through difficult away fixtures, there is plenty to recognise across all three teams.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Stourton Park for our 150th anniversary celebrations, and to all the players, coaches, volunteers, members and supporters who continue to make Stourbridge Rugby what it is today.

Here's to the next 150 years!

The First XV and the Lions now have a week off, but our Hoppers are away vs Old Hales 3's, and our Panthers are away at Telford on Sunday.