It was another busy weekend of rugby for Stourbridge, with the First XV maintaining their unbeaten start to the league campaign, the Lions showing a much-improved performance on the road and the Hoppers battling hard at Stourton Park. Sunday saw the Panthers and Colts back in action, both hosting fixtures at home.

First XV: Stourbridge 43–38 Lichfield

Four wins from four for our First XV, although Stour certainly made hard work of this one in a thrilling encounter at Stourton Park on Saturday.

Stour came flying out of the blocks, executing their game plan brilliantly in the opening 20 minutes. Joe Dunn opened the scoring, with Jack Teague converting, before Liam Wordley and Archie Samuel crossed to establish a commanding 19–0 lead.

However, Lichfield were not going to roll over. A little complacency crept into Stour's game and the visitors took full advantage, fighting back to level the scores at 19–19.

Jasper Smith restored Stour's lead just before the break, with Teague converting to give the home side a 26–19 advantage at half-time.

Jasper grabbed his second shortly after the restart, again converted by Teague, but Lichfield continued to battle, bringing the scores level once again at 33–33.

Dan Rundle crossed to put Stour back in front, only for Lichfield to respond and make it 38–38.

With the game hanging in the balance, Jack Teague stepped up to score the decisive try and secure a dramatic 43–38 victory.

It was certainly not a comfortable afternoon, but another five points in the bag and plenty for the coaching team to work on ahead of the next fixture.

Player of the Match - Jack Teague

Lions: Aston Old Edwardians 28–22 Stourbridge Lions

Written by JJ, Lions Head Coach

A step forward for the Lions following last weekend's difficult afternoon at Shrewsbury, in a game that could easily have gone Stour's way but for a few inaccuracies at crucial moments.

The front row of Gazzard, Baldry and Lewis delivered excellent performances, providing a strong scrum platform which was in stark contrast to a faltering lineout. Unfortunately, this meant the Lions were unable to consistently capitalise on hard-earned field position.

Behind the scrum, George Cattell and George Westwood stood out, while Charlie Thompson worked tirelessly on the flank.

The Lions crossed for four tries through George Westwood, George Cattell, Dylan Beech Bailey and Hayden Link, with vice-captain James Westwood adding the extras from the kicking tee.

Despite narrowly missing out on a first league victory of the campaign, the Lions returned home with two bonus points and plenty of positives to build upon.

Player of the Match: George Westwood.

The Lions will look to take that progress into Saturday's home fixture against Burntwood.

Hoppers: Stourbridge Hoppers 27–55 Kidderminster 2nds

The Hoppers welcomed Kidderminster 2nds to Stourton Park on Saturday for another competitive afternoon of rugby.

Despite the visitors eventually running out 55–27 winners, the Hoppers continued to battle throughout, putting 27 points on the board and showing the determination and team spirit that have become such an important part of this side.

Kidderminster proved the stronger team on the day, but there were still positives for Stour to take into their next fixture as the squad continues to build momentum and enjoy its rugby.

Players of the Match: Josh Leonard and George Robbins.

Panthers: Stourbridge Panthers 5 v Clee Hill 65

The Panthers welcomed Clee Hill to Stourton Park on Sunday for their latest league fixture.

Following a challenging trip to Kidderminster the previous weekend, the Panthers were back on home soil, looking to build on the positives from their opening fixtures.

[Final score and match details to be added.]

Colts: Stourbridge Colts 5–14 Hereford

The Colts welcomed Hereford to Stourton Park on Sunday afternoon for their latest NMCL Premier League fixture.

Following their impressive 52–0 victory over Droitwich the previous weekend, the Colts faced a tougher challenge against Hereford.

It was a much closer contest this time, with the visitors eventually securing a 14–5 victory.

Despite the defeat, the Colts will look to take the positives from the afternoon into their next league fixture as they continue their development in the Premier League.

Looking Ahead: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October
Three of our senior men's sides are back in action on Saturday, while the Panthers and Colts enjoy a weekend off.

First XV: Away to Lutterworth, 3pm KO
The First XV will be looking to make it five league victories from five as they travel to Lutterworth.

Lions: Home to Burntwood, 3pm KO
Following a much-improved performance against Aston Old Edwardians, the Lions return to Stourton Park looking to secure their first league victory of the campaign.

Hoppers: Away to Ludlow 2nds
The Hoppers are back on the road as they travel to face Ludlow 2nds, looking to bounce back from Saturday's defeat.

Sunday 25 October
The Panthers and Colts both have a weekend off, with no fixtures scheduled.
M&J fixtures to be posted to our facebook and instagram page on Wednesday.