It was a busy opening weekend for Stourbridge Rugby, with two senior victories, plenty of debuts and some excellent individual performances across the Club.

FIRST XV 27-24 BROMSGROVE

The First XV opened their Regional One Midlands campaign with a hard-fought 27-24 victory over Bromsgrove at Stourton Park.

With a number of players playing together for the first time, Stour took time to settle and found themselves 21-5 behind against a Bromsgrove side that showed greater continuity early on.

However, the response demonstrated the character, fitness and determination within the squad. Stour fought their way back into the contest and completed an impressive turnaround to secure a 27-24 opening-day victory.

Director of Rugby Neil ‘Mitch’ Mitchell acknowledged there is plenty to work on but was encouraged by the resilience shown by the side and the platform it provides for the season ahead.

TRY SCORERS
Mike Penn
Liam Wordley
Michael Heaney 1 try 1 x penalty kick
Jack Teague - 2 x conversion
Player of the Match: Will Bishop

TRENTHAM 45-26 LIONS

The Lions made an excellent start on the road at Trentham, racing into a 24-7 lead following tries from debutants Archie Samuel and Sonny Morgan, alongside Captain James Dallison.

Samuel marked his Lions debut in style with two exceptional long-range tries, while Morgan also produced an impressive finish. James Westwood added the extras.

However, the momentum shifted as Trentham increased the intensity and put the Lions under sustained pressure. Stour were unable to regain control and the hosts fought back to take a 45-26 victory.

Plenty of positives to take despite the result, particularly from the Lions’ new faces.

TRY SCORERS
Archie Samuel x 2
Sonny Morgan
James Dallison
Player of the Match: Archie Samuel

HOPPERS 15-33 DK WASPS

The Hoppers produced an impressive opening 20 minutes against a strong DK Wasps side at Stourton Park.

As the game progressed, however, Stour lost some of their early shape and discipline, with a series of penalties costing valuable territory and possession.

Several changes were made at half-time as the Hoppers looked to regain control, but a strong and dominant DK side ultimately proved too much on the day.

Player of the Match: George Robbins

PANTHERS 24-15 NEWPORT SIRENS

The Panthers got their season off to the best possible start with a 24-15 victory over newly promoted Newport Sirens.

Following a successful seven-week pre-season under new Head Coach Gareth Simpson, the Panthers established the early advantage with tries from Poppy Pinner, Ella Anderson and Kyla Bickley. Debutant Lily Trotter converted all three to help Stour build a 21-5 half-time lead.

The second half became a much tighter contest, with the Panthers producing some outstanding defensive work. Trotter added a penalty to take her personal tally to nine points before Stour closed out an impressive opening-day victory.

There were Panthers debuts for Freja Cadman, Lily Trotter, Chloe Timmins and Becky Lowe, while Meg Clarke returned following a long-term injury.

The afternoon also marked a special milestone for Abi Lewis, who made her 50th Panthers appearance.
TRY SCORERS:
Poppy Pinner
Ella Anderson
Kyla Bickley
Lily Trotter - 3 conversions & 1 penalty

Panthers Player of the Match: Lauren Taylor
Newport Player of the Match: Jasmin Faulkner-Harper
Abi Lewis: 50 Panthers appearances

STOURBRIDGE COLTS 19-36 MOSELEY COLTS

The Colts began their season, and their campaign in the newly formed NMCL Premier League, with a tough opening fixture against Moseley at Stourton Park.

The final score finished 36-19 in favour of the visitors, but there were plenty of positives to take from the Colts’ first competitive outing of the new season.

Two players in particular set the standard from the opening whistle.

Loukas Mairoudi and Harry Payne were jointly named Man of the Match after throwing everything into the game and leading by example with their work rate, heart and determination.

A strong start individually from both players and exactly the attitude the Colts will be looking to build on throughout the season.

? Men of the Match: Loukas Mairoudi & Harry Payne

OPENING WEEKEND COMPLETE

Five teams, five opening fixtures and plenty to build on as competitive rugby returns across Stourbridge Rugby.

Congratulations to everyone who pulled on the Stourbridge shirt this weekend, particularly those making their debuts or reaching personal milestones, and thank you to everyone who came out to support our teams at Stourton Park and on the road.

The 2026/27 season is officially underway.

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