Stourbridge take bragging rights over Dudley Kingswinford in the local derby winning 26-20.
Round 11 saw Stourbridge take the short vist across to Heathbrook to take on Dudley Kingswinford in a contest neither side could afford to lose. This encounter had everything a local derby needed end to end rugby, the lead changing hands several times and a few yellow and red cards thrown in.

For the first 30 minutes of this game nothing could separate these two sides. In the wet and muddy conditions the forwards spent time getting to know each other in a succession of rucks, mauls and scrums. DK were first to break the deadlock on the half hour 7-0 to the hosts. With the clock ticking down towards half time the ball found itself in the hands of Dan Rundle on the wing who made a few metres into DK's 22 before offloading to Mark Harrison on his inside. Harrison continued on before kicking ahead for Jack Teague to run onto and go over. Teague added the extras converting his own try. 38 minutes gone 7-7. Within a minute of the restart DK won a penalty in front of the posts which they converted making the halftime score 10-7.

Stourbridge began the second half on the attack and following a series of phases in DK's 22 found themselves encamped on DK's try line. The final push came and from the bottom of the pack Ryan Wainwright (who had replaced captain James Dallison at halftime) went over, Teague slotted the conversion. 44 minutes gone 10-14. For the first time in the game Stour were ahead and this spurred them on to a third try. In the 50th minute Ben Freeman broke DK's defensive line and passed to Harrison who went over in the far corner making it 10-19 to the visitors.

It looked like Stour were going to stamp their authority on this game, however DK had other ideas and after a series of infringements by Stour and a yellow card for Teague DK were awarded a penalty try on the hour bringing the score within two points setting up the last quarter of the game for a nail bitting finish. 17-19.

DK were reduced to 14 players when one of their players made a tackle in the air during a lineout and following a series of phases in the 70th minute they again won a penalty which they duly converted putting them ahead 20-19. With only eight minutes left on the clock Stour had through a series of phases worked their way up to DK's try line and again Stour's forwards did their job pushing DK back and Fin Hayward went over to score under the posts. Teague added the further two points 20-26.

However this game was not over yet has from the restart Stour found it hard to get out of their 22 with a series of kicks falling short or dropping dead in the mud. DK piled the pressure on and with five minutes left Jake Kelly saw red for a miss timed tackle. The clock turned 80 and still DK came Stour picked up a further yellow card and were now down to 13. However despite a series of penalties DK where unable to breach Stour's defence who hung on. Eventually in 47th minute the whistle came.

Stour go third one point behind Newport Salop and five behind Bournville. Round 12 will see them face another test away to Lichfield who beat Newent at home today.

Author: Keith Beasley

2nd XV 25 - Veseyans 52
Venue: Stourton Park

Stourbridge produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell short against a strong Veseyans side. Despite leading 13–12 at one stage, missed tackles and poor decision-making proved costly. Veseyans capitalized on these errors, though they were pressured into mistakes by Stourbridge’s aggressive line speed.

Stourbridge crossed for three tries, with James Westwood contributing 10 points and showing excellent game control throughout. Harry Wooldridge impressed with barnstorming runs, looking back to his best form.

Try scorers:
Luke Bimson – the pacey full-back finishing superbly.
George Westwood – a magnificent pick-up leading to a breakaway try.
Todd Stevens- opened the scoring with a surge of power after some good interplay sparked by Jason Hampton.

Next up, Stourbridge face Spartans in a crucial fixture. With league points needed to stay clear of the relegation zone, this will be a big test.

Author-J John

Old Halesonians 2's 16 - 3rd XV 31[/b]

It’s been a few weeks since a 3s match report, so it’s great to be back.

Stourbridge 3s travelled to Old Halesonians to take on their 2s. Hales started strongly, carrying hard and putting real pressure on in the scrum. Despite that, Stourbridge’s defence held firm, with some big tackles going in to keep the hosts out.

With Stourbridge standing strong, Hales opted to take points from a penalty to make the most of their early territory.

Stour hit straight back with a try, and although the Old Hales scrum and set piece continued to cause problems, Stourbridge began to take control of the first half. The backs produced some lovely running rugby, and Senior debutant, and current Colt, Rudi Salisbury made some excellent carries.

Half-time: Stourbridge 24–6 Old Hales

Stour started the second half quickly, with an under-the-weather James Grainger finishing off a clean break to extend the lead.

Hales then made a few changes and took control of much of the second half, applying sustained pressure and scoring a couple of tries. But Stourbridge dug in, defended well, and saw the game out.

Full-time: Stourbridge 31–16 Old Hales

Summary
Five tries, a good, fun win, a debutant Colt making his mark, and some fantastic support from players, physio Emily and supporters.

More Colts and Uni lads return over the next few weeks, so we’re looking forward to seeing how we go!

Author- Gareth Holland