Stourbridge came away with two well deserved bonus points in this scrappy yet well contested game that could have gone either way.

Third place Sedgley can count themselves fortunate to have come out on top in yet another close encounter, thanks to the boot of Fly Half Stephen Collins but it took a full 60 minutes for the hosts to wrestle the lead away from a plucky performance by Stour.

The Rugby Paper report describes Stour as bringing a “huge pack”, possibly just referring to Chris Depper but scrum dominance was probably due to technique as the set piece penalty count favoured the visitors for much of the game. The first one came after just 3 minutes following a ‘Park knock on inside Stour’s ’22. Lineout ball led to a superb break by Arthur Morgan who took the ball into host territory. After a series of rucks and mauls, the ball was gathered by Stef Thorp who crashed over, Afe Haisila converted and Stour were in the lead with just minutes on the clock.

Sedgley P then dominated much of the next 10 minutes winning a series of penalties for various infringements. Eventually, the referee lost patience and awarded a Yellow Card against Stour and a simply penalty kick for Collins, directly in front of the post. This decision suggested that the hosts were not particularly confident about their other set piece plays but, eventually, it turned out to be a correct choice!

Penalties kept coming but these were evenly distributed between the two sides and eventually took Stourbridge to inside the opposition ’22. Lineout ball was secured and the lively Afeafe’ jinked through to open up the defence, finding the irrepressible Jack Lea who crashed over the line. Afeafe’ second conversion sailed over making the score 3 – 14, but not for long.

A few minutes later, the visitors earned another scrum penalty, which closely resembled the previous outcome. This time the backs combination of George Morgan, Joe Heatley and Dan Rundle (NOT Trundle as described in TRP!) allowed Rundle his 20th Try of the season and Afeafe’s third conversion for a 3 – 21 lead and 38 minutes gone. This was not to be the last scoreboard flash of the half as a Stour player was found to be offside almost immediately from the kick restart! With just seconds remaining, Collins penalty kick meant a 6-21 score and all to play for.

Sedgley Park kicked off the second half and came out a different side, playing with confidence and more structure. They scored two converted Trys in the first ten minutes through Elliot Crow and William Lees. Both converted by Collins and meaning ‘Park were back to 20-21 with half an hour remaining. However, it was Stourbridge who were next to strike after the enigmatic Joe Collingham gathered from the base of a scrum. Morgan, followed by Rundle, took on his feed. Finding him blocked and with work to do, the speedy winger made a wise decision to pass inside, finding Jacob Ham playing his first game since returning from South Leicester. Still with plenty to do, he outpaced the defence and ran 25 metres towards the posts enabling another Afeafe’ conversion and guaranteeing a bonus point, at least.

However, directly from the restart clearance, Stour found themselves on the back foot following a clever cross kick, playing penalty advantage. Winger Adam Cheshire won the race for touch down in the right corner. Collins conversion looked like it was going wide but grazed the left upright and somehow dropped over the bar for an extra two points and a score of 27 – 28 with 22 minutes of play remaining.

Collins only needed 2 of these minutes to secure a win for his side as a clever drop goal followed, with an hour showing on the pitch side clock. This was to be the last score of the afternoon with ‘Park seemingly happy to defend their slender lead whilst Stour were frustrated by their own errors along with those made by the match officials.

This season’s league showings are proving extraordinarily tight and the next few weeks will be fascinating in terms of who wants to contest for promotion, along side run away Caldy who look to be cruising back into Level 3 rugby. ‘Park are in 3rd place just four points behind Fylde but with a game in hand. It is yet to be seen if they are ready, willing and able to make that great step up in terms of cost, commitment and recruitment!

At the end of the day, final showings will depend heavily on the strength and depth of a side’s squad. Stourbridge (7th) are just two wins away from 4th place whilst, for example, Otley have won the same number of games as Stour yet are 7 points adrift of us but still dangerously close to the relegation zone!

Although disappointing, this was a great showing from the Stourton Park team who are missing six key players from the starting line up. Mark George looks to be out for most of the season whilst Mark Harrison and Hal Riley were also discounted. Sam Montieri and Matt Perks have work commitments and Callum Morris is recalled for Worcester Cavaliers.

Next Saturday, we entertain 2nd spot Fylde who dominated us back in October with a 41 – 19 drubbing. However, they have lost to lower sides including Hull and Sheffield but more recently succumbing to Huddersfield (32-15) last weekend! They did manage a BP loss against leaders Caldy and have one draw against Preston. This was the second game of the season and with both sides only scoring 3 Trys!

It would be good to see a bumper crowd turn out at Stourton Park and the current weather forecast is showing some promise! Pete Millard has organized a lunch for Ex presidents and we hope to see PP John Slim even though he will be unable to cheer on his relative.