The Panthers showed early intent, with Lauren Taylor igniting the game in the opening exchanges. A powerful 20-metre burst through the midfield got the home crowd on their feet, but the attack ultimately came to nothing as Kidderminster scrambled well in defence.

It was the visitors who struck first. Thirteen minutes in, Kidderminster crossed for the opening try of the afternoon and added the conversion to take a 7–0 lead. The opening half hour proved difficult for the Panthers, as Kidderminster enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory, making it hard for the home side to build any sustained momentum.

Just when it looked like the Panthers might head into the break frustrated, a moment of quality shifted the mood. In the 32nd minute, Alex Yates carved open the defence with a superb line break from inside the Panthers’ half before releasing Lauren Taylor, who finished clinically to bring Stourbridge right back into the contest.

The Panthers came out firing after the break, and it took just five minutes for Alex Yates to make her mark again. Collecting the ball on the halfway line, she showed blistering pace and power to slice through the defence and race in under the posts for a sensational solo try.

Momentum continued to build, and on 55 minutes Mia Maduargwa produced one of the moments of the match. Breaking free from 10 metres inside her own half, she powered through the Kidderminster defence, scattering would-be tacklers “like bowling pins” before crashing over for an outstanding try.

Yates wasn’t done yet. Sharp anticipation in the Kidderminster 22 saw her intercept a pass and sprint over the whitewash to keep the Panthers firmly in the fight.

Despite the attacking highlights, the Panthers were ultimately undone by inconsistencies at the set piece, with lineouts and scrums failing to click at key moments. A lack of effectiveness at the breakdown also allowed Kidderminster to regain control, and the visitors capitalised to see out the game.

Congratulations to Panther stalwart Jemma “One Drink” Cartwright on her 30th cap for Stour, a shinning example of a true club woman.

Full Time:
Stourbridge Panthers 20
Kidderminster 31

Player of the Match:
? Lauren Taylor – a constant attacking & defending threat, a well-deserved award after a standout performance.