The Colts have had a challenging start to the season having fielded a team with less than 15 players for the first three games. That said; with some hard work from Manager / Head Coach Paul Meakin and the players, we have had an upturn in numbers with some new, local lads and old players rejoining. The lack of numbers has done nothing to affect the performances on the pitch and the attitude has been outstanding. Notable results this season have included holding Wolverhampton scoreless at home to begin the season, going away to Luctonians with 13 men to secure a bonus point win and beating Bees in the second round of the National Cup.

This week’s challenge was a very well-drilled Hereford team who came to Stourton Park in second place in the league with only one loss this season. It was the away team who started strongly with some early possession and field position turned into 5 points. The Colts response to the challenge was excellent, and after some good forward work driving into the Hereford 22, Stour’s dangerous 10, Dallas Ororo, switched the play to outpace the defence to score in the corner for an unconverted try. Shortly after the restart, and after a strong run down the middle of the pitch from captain Ben Meakin, Stour took a nice penalty for 3 points from Oli Clare to take the lead 8-5. At this point Stourbridge’s front row, Joe Hingley, Jake Marshall and Sam Maxwell starting imposing themselves at scrum time, regularly pushing Hereford off the ball. The next try came following a hard and direct run from inside centre, Alfie Price, which sucked in a number of defenders to allow space for Aidan Grimmett Bate to score Stourbridge’s second try.

5 minutes later, Hereford had a lineout just inside their own half. Excellent lineout pressure from Ben Meakin & Alex Hurrell turned the ball over, some excellent hands from Jake Marshall, Dallas Ororo and Aidan Grimmett Bate, spread the ball to Joe Ingram on the wing quickly. Still with three defenders to beat Joe finished in some style in the corner. There was still a couple of minutes left of the half and Hereford put the Stourbridge’s line under some pressure and their impressive 8 scored under the posts to make the score 18-12 at half time.

Ben Furber and Theo Shinton, came on at half time for Joe Wood and Joe Hingley who had set an excellent tone for them to follow. The bulk of the first 20 mintues of the second half saw Hereford camped on Stourbridge's 22. Lead by the subs, returning Stourbridge player Tom Griffiths and one the squad's new players David Rogers, Stourbridge’s defence was outstanding and at a physical level the opponents could not match. A break into Hereford's half lead to a penalty which Stour cleverly took to extend the lead to beyond a score. The last 20 mins of the half was just like the first, with Hereford regularly in Stour’s 22. Again, they all manfully stood up and did not allow Hereford to score again. The last play of the game saw Stour again defending their line. They managed to the turn the ball over and kick clear. A great kick chase lead to Finn Walker picking the ball up on the half way line, and out sprinting the defence to score in the corner and secure the bonus point win 26-12. An excellent victory, against a strong team, in front of a good crowd. It was one of those days when any one of the squad could have been awarded MoM, but it was given to Jimmy Walker who controlled the game from 9 all day.

Stourbridge moved to top of the league with maximum points. They have also progressed to the last 32 of the national cup, the next fixture being at home against Old Leamingtonians on 19th Jan. Stourbridge now have a couple of fixtures left this year with the last being the annual game v DK on boxing day. If they can gain victories in those fixtures, they will remain unbeaten this season!! Please put the dates in your diaries to come down and support.

The Club is also proud to announce that Ben Meakin, Jake Marshall, Oliver Clare & Alfie Price have all been selected for the North Midlands U18s. As well as Captaining SRFC Colts, Ben Meakin has also Captained Worcestershire County & North Midlands.

In addition, we would like to congratulate Sam Maxwell, younger brother of 1st team player Alex, for his selection into Scotland’s under 17s squad earlier this month. Well done to all.

Thank you to club stalwarts Stuart Doolittle & Paul Harper Smith for their huge input to Colts Coaching this year, with the results reflecting their enthusiasm & commitment.

The U18 Colts have reaped the benefits of SRFC 'One Club' policy. The pathway to Senior Rugby, has facilitated introduction to Tuesday evening training with Simon Daws & integration with the Hounds squad. Dawsey has played a vital role in this pathway and his input to the Colts skill / strategy development has been excellent again this season. Thank you to all seniors involved & we look for to the Colts progression into 2020.