It was another busy Saturday of senior rugby for Stourbridge, with the First XV making it two wins from two with a 34-24 victory away at Burton, while the Lions were beaten 24-15 by Veseyans in their first home league fixture of the season.

FIRST XV | BURTON 24-34 STOURBRIDGE

The First XV continued their winning start to the 2026/27 Regional One Midlands campaign with an impressive 34-24 victory on the road at Burton.

Stourbridge started strongly, establishing dominance at the set piece, particularly through the lineout and scrum.

Director of Rugby Neil ‘Mitch’ Mitchell was pleased with the progress shown from the opening-week victory over Bromsgrove:

“The half-back combination of Michael Heaney and Mike Penn had an excellent game, making good use of the possession generated up front and allowing us to play some exciting rugby.

“We are still showing signs of being a side growing together and probably left three or four tries out there through last-minute errors, simply through a lack of cohesion and game time together.

“The dominance of the forwards was far greater than last week against Bromsgrove and you can already see that time together is starting to show. Likewise, the new combinations in the backs are beginning to come together.

“With new signing Callum Kennedy unavailable, Archie Samuel stepped up from the Colts and put in a really strong performance, another great example of a player progressing through the Stourbridge pathway and taking his opportunity at First XV level.

“Overall, a great team performance and plenty to look forward to as we head into two home games against Banbury and Lichfield.”

Player of the Match: Nigel Mukerati

Tries: Jolby Beech, Michael Heaney, Rudi Salisbury, Dan Rundle x2

Points: Michael Heaney, 2 conversions and 1 penalty

LIONS | STOURBRIDGE 15-24 VESEYANS

There was disappointment at Stourton Park as the Lions fell to a 24-15 defeat against a strong Veseyans side.

The Lions battled for long periods, with brothers George and James Westwood accounting for all 15 Stourbridge points.

Lions Coach Jacob John said:

“Another long day for Stourbridge Lions, who dug in bravely for long periods, but were unable to repel the hard and heavy Veseyans runners.

“George Westwood provided two tries of the highest class and his brother James added the extras, but it was another painful day when a struggling set piece and ineffective pod play left Stour in a concerning position with high-flying and free-scoring Shrewsbury to come, away, next week.”

George Westwood was named the opposition Player of the Match after his two-try performance.

Player of the Match: George Westwood
Tries: George Westwood x2
Points: James Westwood, 1 conversion and 1 penalty

NEXT UP
NEXT UP | ANOTHER BIG WEEKEND OF SENIOR RUGBY

There’s another busy weekend ahead for our senior sides, with three teams in action on Saturday before the Panthers take to the field on Sunday.

SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER

• First XV v Banbury
• Stourton Park
• 3pm KO

The First XV return home looking to continue their winning start to the season, with the day also hosting our 150th Season Ex-Players’ Lunch.

One of the highlights of the Stourbridge Rugby calendar, the lunch is an opportunity to welcome former players back to the Club during this very special anniversary season.

Last year’s Ex-Players’ Lunch was a sell-out, so we would encourage anyone planning to join us to book as soon as possible.

• Shrewsbury v Lions
• Away
• 3pm KO

The Lions are back on the road as they travel to Shrewsbury, looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat against Veseyans.

• Bromyard II v Hoppers
• 3pm KO

SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER

• Kidderminster v Panthers
• Away

The Panthers are also on the road on Sunday as they travel to Kidderminster for their next league fixture.

Another full weekend of Stourbridge Rugby ahead, and we look forward to welcoming plenty of familiar faces back to Stourton Park on Saturday for the Ex-Players’ Lunch.