Round 13 saw Stourbridge Rugby take on Bournville RFC the league leaders at Stourton Park in what undoubtedly would be a crucial game for both teams title ambitions.
It was Bournville who struck first 15 minutes in they where awarded a penalty in midfield which was converted by Jacob Fewtrell 0-3. Stour responded immediately Mark Harrison found himself in possession of the ball on the right hand side and space in front of him. Harrison kicked on and it was a foot race between him, Ben Freeman and the Bournville defence. Freeman won out and scored Freddie Morgan added the additional two points 7-3 with 18 minutes gone.

However Bournville from the restart hit back and Reiss Price went over to make it 7-8 Fewtrell pulling the attempted conversion across the posts.20 minutes gone. Stour then enjoyed some possession and on the half hour Ben Freeman found himself in possession of the ball in Bournville’s 22 and he managed to chink his way pass several defenders to go over. Morgan again added the extras. 14-8. Bournville then enjoyed a spell of possession and despite some spirited defence from Stour Harry Dawson went over in the 37th minute the extras this time secured by Fewtrell making it 14-15 at halftime.

However if the first half was close the second was not. Two quick scores in the 45th minute (Ben Rhodes) and then in the 50th (Keiran Henderson, converted Fewtrell) saw Bournville pull away making the score 14-27. Stour for a while railed but they had no reply and as they did at Avery Fields Bournville dominated the set pieces forcing Stour to give up far too many penalties in the scrum. In the 67th minute Bournville put the game out of reach with another from Henderson, converted by Fewtrell making it 14-34 and with three minutes to go Nathan Decalmer went over from a few metres out, again converted by Fewtrell making it 14-41. In the 80th minute Ethan Shewring with a pick and go went over under the posts to make the final score 19-41.

Stour drop to fourth ,one behind Bromsgrove, eight behind Newport Salop and 12 behind Bournville. No more rugby now until 10th January when Stour travel to Ashby Lane to take on 5th place Lutterworth who are equal on points (43)

Author: Keith Beasley

Aston Old Edwardians 36 - 2nd XV 17
Location: Sunnybank Ave

Stourbridge Lions will look back on this clash as a bitterly missed opportunity. Leading 17-0 at half-time, they appeared in complete control, only to collapse spectacularly after the break as Aston Old Edwardians ran in 36 unanswered points.

The first half showcased Stour’s attacking intent and sharp execution. Luke Bimson opened the scoring with a good finish, though his afternoon ended prematurely with a nasty-looking injury that could have longer-term implications. James Westwood then spotted a gap in midfield and dived over, before George Cattell dived over from short range after. Matt Moseley showed his class with a long range solo effort. Westwood added the extras.

At the interval, Stour looked poised to claim a vital win in their battle for survival. Instead, the second half became a nightmare. Aston Old Edwardians dominated territory and possession, exploiting defensive lapses and a visible drop in Stour’s intensity. Six tries later, the scoreboard told a brutal story: 36-17.

This was a critical game, and Stour’s failure to close it out leaves them deep in the relegation mire. Two pivotal fixtures in the New Year will now define their season. But unless there’s a marked improvement in fitness levels and commitment to training together, the harsh reality is that a return to Level 8 may be looming.

Author: Jacob John