Stourbridge knew from the off that this was not going to be easy. In their previous two home games Drybrook had put 52 points on the board (30 against Newport Salop in a 46 30 defeat and 22 against Bridgnorth in a draw) and within minutes of the kick off Stourbridge were on the back foot with Drybrook driving deep into Stour's half. For near on 30 minutes Stour where penned into the last quarter of their half. Although conceding numerous penalties and one yellow card (Jolby Beech 15th minute) Stour defended their line stoically and in the 30th minute Drybrook decided that kicking a penalty was for now a way to get on the scoreboard. 3-0 to the hosts.

This was the point at which Stourbridge began to turn the tide and from the restart Stour gained possession deep in Drybrook's half and in the 35th minute Ty Lewis went over from a few meters out and Jack Teague added the conversion making it 7-3 to Stour. On the stroke of halftime Jack went over in the corner but was unable to convert his own try making it 12-3.

Stour came out for the second half and further extended their lead in the 42nd minute when Dan Rundle received the ball on the wing after the ball had passed along the line through a series of Stourbridge hands. Just metres out he took on the last defender and going to ground he stretched his arms out and found the white line. Jack added the extras making it 19-3 to Stour. Drybrook then had a spell of possession and this ended in the 51st minute with them scoring making it 19-8. Reminding Stour that they where still in this game.

A mishandling by Drybrook in the back line was latched onto by Mike Penn and it allowed him the opportunity to show the crowd his football skills and kicking the ball along the ground he skillful guided the ball over the try line to then fall on it to score. Again Jack converted and Stour were now 26-8 up 53 minutes gone. Drybrook rallied and in the 58th minute after a spell of possession went over to make it 26-13.

Just past the hour (64th minute) Ashley Beck saw yellow after being singled out by the referee after a passage of play which had seen Stour giving away a series of penalties. In the 75th minute Arthur Morgan who earlier in the half had come of the bench repeated what he had done the week before and was next on the scoreboard making it 31-13. Not too be outdone by his sibling Freddie Morgan found himself on the scoreboard in 78th minute and again Jack converted to make it 38-13. There was still enough time left on the clock for Drybrook to add a third try which was converted to make the final score Drybrook 20 Stourbridge 38. Stour go third on 20 points behind Newent also on 20 and Newport Salop on 21. Round 6 next week sees Stour at home to Banbury.

Debut John Lenton Jinks

Author - K. Beasley

Match Report: Stourbridge 2nds-24, Crewe RFC-25
Venue: Stourbridge RFC
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025

Gritty Stourbridge Fall Just Short Against League Leaders
Stourbridge Lions put in a spirited and physical performance against high flying Crewe RFC, but a last-minute penalty saw the visitors snatch a dramatic victory in a tense and hard-fought encounter.
Despite lacking shape at times, Stourbridge showed heart and determination throughout, pushing Crewe to the limit in a match that could have gone either way.

Try Scorers
Luke Bimson crossed the line twice, showcasing his pace and anticipation on the wing.
Dan Johnson added a well-taken try after some silky running.
Theo Stevens not for the first time, showed his eye for a gap, sniping superbly for what could, maybe should, have been the match winner.
James Westwood slotted 2 conversions to keep Stourbridge in touch throughout the match.

Crewe’s Composure Proves Decisive
Crewe RFC demonstrated why they sit atop the league table, with a well-organised and disciplined display. Their structured attack and solid defensive line frustrated Stourbridge at key moments, and their ability to control possession in the final stages paid off.
With the scores tied in the dying seconds, Crewe earned a penalty just outside the 22. Their kicker held his nerve to seal the win, breaking Stourbridge hearts and maintaining their unbeaten run.

Next Fixture
Stourbridge will look to bounce back next week as they host league leaders Whitchurch RFC in what promises to be another tough test,
Author - J John

Match Report: StourbridgeColts-10, Lichfield Colts 22
Venue: Stourbridge RFC
Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025

A tough ( but successful) week of School rugby caught up with our boys as we went down to Lichfield on Sunday.
With a number of players missing through injury or having played too many minutes, we welcomed an undefeated Lichfield team to Stourton Park.

Lichfield are a well coached and efficient team, and all though we battled bravely we went down by 12 points in the first 20 minutes. With a number of seniors carrying injuries, and being held together by tape and ibuprofen it was going to be a tough afternoon! We secured plenty of possession but our handling and timing wasn’t firing, and we couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities we created. We pulled a try back from Charlie Lowe following great forward work from a lineout drive. As we started to build momentum we suffered further injuries to our fly half and centre, this further disruption set the pattern for the second half, as we couldn’t string phases together and build opportunities, despite defending valiantly. We pulled a later try back through Jacob Priestnall-Singh, but sadly it wasn’t to be our day.

We currently sit third in the league, and hope to strengthen our position when we welcome Sutton Coldfield on the 9th November.

Author - Chris