It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Stourbridge Rugby, with an impressive home victory for the First XV, a difficult afternoon on the road for the Lions and a spirited second-half comeback from the Hoppers in an entertaining friendly at Bridgnorth.

FIRST XV STOURBRIDGE 43 – 15 BANBURY
The First XV made it three league victories in a row with an impressive 43-15 win over Banbury at Stourton Park, producing a performance built on defensive resilience, organisation and clinical finishing.

Banbury started strongly, putting Stourbridge under significant pressure during the opening 20 minutes. However, the home side stood firm, showing excellent defensive discipline before taking control of the contest.

Once Stourbridge began to find their rhythm, they made the most of their opportunities, with seven tries demonstrating the attacking quality throughout the side.

Liam Wordley opened the scoring, with further tries from Michael Heaney, Callum Kennedy, Arron Hackett and a superb hat-trick from Dan Rundle. Heaney added four conversions to complete the scoring.

The coaching team were particularly pleased with the resilience shown in the opening stages, the organisation in defence and the ability to turn possession into points.

The result provides another positive step forward as the squad continues to develop its combinations and build momentum in the league.

LIONS - SHREWSBURY 91 – 5 STOURBRIDGE LIONS
It was a difficult afternoon for a youthful Lions side as they travelled to face a formidable Shrewsbury outfit.

Shrewsbury narrowly missed out on promotion to Level 6 last season and demonstrated exactly why they are considered one of the strongest sides in the league.

With the Lions continuing to manage the effects of significant player departures over the past 18 months, alongside injuries, a young and inexperienced squad faced a considerable challenge.

Despite a positive warm-up and plenty of determination, the Lions struggled to match the athleticism, organisation and cohesion of their hosts.

There were positives to take from the afternoon, including Lions debuts for Will Coleman and Lewis Crane, while attacking bursts from Archie Samuel, Owen Keatley and Sonny Morgan offered encouragement to the travelling supporters.

The Lions showed greater resistance after the break, with James Dallison crossing for Stourbridge's only try.

Dan Corr was named Player of the Match for his efforts throughout a challenging afternoon.

While the result was a difficult one to take, the Lions will now look ahead to two fixtures which offer opportunities to regroup, rebuild confidence and secure some much-needed league points.

HOPPERS - BRIDGNORTH 68 – 43 STOURBRIDGE HOPPERS
The Hoppers travelled to Bridgnorth for an entertaining friendly, taking a fantastic squad of 29 players, all keen to get involved and enjoy some rugby in the sunshine by the river.

The first half saw Henry Farmer score his first try for the Hoppers, although Bridgnorth enjoyed considerably more success on the scoreboard, with plenty of tries that captain Mike Steven would probably rather forget!

Ten substitutions at half-time transformed the Stourbridge performance, and the Hoppers emerged for the second half looking like a completely different side.

Playing with renewed energy and determination, they fought their way back into the contest, producing an excellent attacking display and eventually finishing with 43 points.

Unfortunately, the first-half deficit proved too much to overcome, and a late Bridgnorth score secured an emphatic victory for the hosts.

There were plenty of positives to take from the afternoon, not least the welcome return of Jason Hampton, Travis Scott, Josh Saunders and Dan McElhone to the field.

The Hoppers would also like to thank Bridgnorth for their excellent hospitality and look forward to meeting again soon.

LOOKING AHEAD - SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER
All three senior men's sides return to action this Saturday, with the First XV back at Stourton Park and both the Lions and Hoppers on the road.

First XV v Lichfield
Home, Stourton Park
Kick-off: 3.00pm

Following consecutive victories over Burton and Banbury, the First XV will be looking to continue their winning run when they welcome Lichfield to Stourton Park.

Pre-match hospitality is available, with a two-course lunch priced at £26.50 per person, including match entry. Supporters, members and guests are all welcome, with bookings closing at 8pm on Wednesday - you can book in quickly and easily here https://form.jotform.com/Stourbridge/pre-match-lunch-2627-season

Lions v Aston Old Edwardians
Away
Kick-off: 3.00pm

The Lions will be looking to put a difficult afternoon at Shrewsbury behind them as they travel to Aston Old Edwardians, determined to produce a positive response and get their league campaign moving in the right direction.

Hoppers v Kidderminster 2nd XV
Away
Kick-off: 3.00pm

After their entertaining friendly at Bridgnorth, the Hoppers are back on the road to face Kidderminster 2nd XV. They'll be hoping to build on their much-improved second-half performance and enjoy another competitive afternoon of rugby.

With the First XV building momentum and the Lions and Hoppers looking to bounce back, there's plenty to play for across all three sides this weekend.

We look forward to welcoming supporters to Stourton Park on Saturday, and wish both travelling sides the very best of luck.