Blessed with a dry, overcast day, conditions were set well for an entertaining start to the season played between two teams renowned for their fast-open rugby. No one was disappointed as spectators were treated to an eight try feast of quality rugby.

Scrum-half Joe Heatley got Stourbridge off to a flier with the first try scored within five minutes following a strong drive by his forwards from a 5m scrum, converted by Chris Scott. Dan Kelly replied within four minutes for Loughborough Students. This was followed in quick succession by two further Stourbridge scores from Dan Rundle and George Morgan, following a neat exchange of passes between Heatley and Morgan, one of which was converted. During this spell Stourbridge maintained dominance at the scrum which continued even after changing their two props early in the second half.

Owen Waters then slotted over a penalty for Loughborough following an offside decision. Ten minutes leading up to half time Loughborough piled pressure onto Stourbridge, but the strong home defence held out until William Kaye followed up his own kick ahead to score close to the posts which was converted by Waters. On the stoke of half-time the Stourbridge second-row Nick Murphy was yellow carded. Half-time score Stourbridge leading 19-15.

The second half started with both teams testing each other early on but a powerful break out of defence by one of Stourbridge’s new players, Joe Collingham, taken on further by Jack Lea put the Stour lads back to the Loughborough try line and allowed Nick Murphy on his return to the field of play to score close to the posts, converted by Chris Scott.

Loughborough’s speedy winger, Fadahunsi, quickly closed the gap to 26-20 with a sprint down the touchline. Chris Scott then had two penalty attempts to extend the lead but missed with both kicks which made the home crowd very nervy. Thankfully Joe Heatley then managed to put the game to bed with a fine interception try from inside his own half.

This was a good start to the season for Stourbridge against a strong Loughborough Students team. Joe Heatley was made Man of the Match following his brace of tries and excellent all-round performance.
Full Time: Stourbridge 31 v 20 Loughborough Students

Match Report by Nick Perry, pics by Ceri Davies