A wise old rugby sage was once quoted as saying “If you can’t get referees on your side, make sure you don’t get them on your opponents’ side”. This was possibly the case on Saturday as the hosts made numerous infringements and conceded territory, possession and eventually the game against a streetwise side playing with guile and determination.

The final score sheet shows two tries apiece but with an extra 9 points that were kicked by Hull’s Fly Half Simon Humberstone and demonstrating the difference between two, otherwise, well matched teams. Indeed, Humberstone’s afternoon influence could have been more telling had he not missed both conversions and two further penalty kicks. The last one being close to the end when Stourbridge were down to 14 men and that would have denied their hosts a losing bonus point!

Hull kicked off proceedings and threatened to score first after some strong running and powerful ‘hand offs’ heading to Stour’s try line. Fortunately, a last ditch ‘grubber’ ended in the dead ball area and Stour were able to take a scrum that soon led to a penalty and Joe Heatley making his way to the half way line. Hull repelled the attack and made inroads, themselves, missing a penalty chance that sailed wide of the left side posts. However, it was Stourbridge who made the first strike but it took them a full 20 minutes to trouble the scorer! Heatley took another quick tap penalty and Nick Murphy started the ball rolling by making a nuisance of himself with some good loose play. The final interplay saw Dan Rundle and Jack Lea linking up with “Bowling Ball’ Lea finally barging over for Chris Scott to add the extras.

This appeared to galvanize Hull and most of the following 7 minutes were dominated by their strong running backs and big hits from their forwards. In a well-worked move, one of their players was sent clear but his team-mate knocked on less than 10 metres out and with not a single Stour player to stop him. In another phase the attacker was hauled down following a well-worked break through centre field and recycled ball gave them a penalty, which Humberstone kicked with ease.

Within moments of the restart Stour’s infringement for a high tackle was spotted and lineout ball was the adopted option. From this, the inevitable catch and drive possession was taken on by former Coventry player Latu Makaafi who crashed over from short range but too far out for Humberstone to convert.

The remainder of the half went scoreless but not without its moments! Joe Collingham showed some of his skills when he wrestled loose ball from a Hull player, gaining a penalty, in the process. Scott found touch deep inside the Hull ‘22’ and Nick Murphy’s leap was enough to secure possession. However, a brief ‘scuffle’ broke out between newly arrived James Rodley and Hull’s second row giant Liam Regardsoe who also appears to enjoy the physical side of the game. The outcome was a simple restart but not before referee Wigley had spoken to both captains!

The second half started with a one-point deficit against Stourbridge but, as with the first period, it was the hosts who made the better start. Both sides were guilty of some errors and infringements, some of which were undetected by match officials. However, Stour’s converted Try started from inside their own half when Joe Heatley and Dan Rundle combined between centre field and the left wing. Heatley’s break was thwarted but the ball was recycled back to Rundle who flew down his wing to score under the posts giving Scott his final place kick and 100% strike rate.

The score was now 14 – 8 in favour of the home side with just under half an hour remaining. Given recent results, (including those from the 2018-2019 season) some supporters and most of the team probably thought that the floodgate would open. However, recently promoted Hull had seemingly not read the script!

In spite of some good loose work by James Rodley, Stour’s final phases of play were not up to the standards expected by coach Alan Davis. Hull’s full back, Reece Dean got them to within a point after the elusive runner capitalized on a sloppy Stour pass, subsequent Hull advantage and a flowing move through the hands of the entire backline.

With a quarter of the game left, both teams had chances to score but it was the boot of Humberstone that prevailed. Penalties on 64 minutes and 74 minutes were enough to secure Hull the win.

The last passage of play could sum up Stour’s performance. Occasional possession and some individual skills can threaten the opposition. However, sterile options and misplaced faith that others can turn the game for you appear to be insufficient in winning a home match, let alone a League title.

Next week, Stourbridge travel to 11th place Otley who have one win to their name but have drawn twice to Huddersfield and Tynedale.

The 150 (+) mile journey should be a good test for a Stour side that, traditionally have a poor record on the road. However, given the new luxury coach and need for player involvement in team travel and associated benefits, we hope that many of our loyal supporters can make their own way to this picturesque West Riding of Yorkshire town in support of our current campaign.