Previous forays into this historic Roman fortress town have met with little by way of victories so the expectations of a rare win were low but not impossible. Apart from a ‘Cup’ win in the 1990’s, the only occasions Stour have come away with the points at Tynedale Park were on 30th September 2000 (16 – 35) and 10th December 2016 (25 – 33). The earlier home fixture, last year, was a close run thing where Stourbridge came out on top by 13 – 10 so the odds seemed vey much in favour of our hosts.

Due to injuries and absences, DoR Neil Mitchell needed special RFU dispensation to recruit front row forwards after the transfer deadline but was able to get Josh Cresswell from our “Lions” to stand in. Conditions were dry with sunny periods but there was a strong and gusty wind blowing from behind the clubhouse and at a strength very similar to the previous Saturday.

The visitors kicked off proceedings and despite playing against the wind, soon found themselves in a strong attacking position thanks to a James Rodley break feeding Reece Beddows who made a full forty metres. ‘Dale managed to repel and clear to touch but possession from lineout ball was recycled through a dozen or so phases. It eventually landed in the grateful arms of Jack Lea who crashed over from short range for the first Try of the afternoon but a difficult conversion attempt was taken wide by the wind.

Straight from the restart, Tynedale exerted pressure inside Stour’s ’22 helped by a number of knock ons by Stour players. An offside infringement led to ‘Dale recycling the ball out left where an overlap had formed and wingman Pike was able to scamper around the defence and score the first of his 2 Tries. Again, the gusty wind defeated the conversion attempt by Full Back Rob Parker but he made amends 2 minutes later with a penalty that gave Tynedale an 8 – 5 lead.

It was then Stour’s turn to make a rapid response when kick off receipt was sent deep into Stour territory but only to Mark Harrison. His quick thinking soon put the visitors on the front foot and a Joe Heatley break was enough to create space for Dan Rundle taking the ball some 45 metres up field, outpacing the defence, in the process, to score under the posts. Afe Haisila added the conversion and Stour were back in the lead by 8 – 12 with some 15 minutes played.

It took Tynedale 20 minutes to make amends after both sides made, but failed to capitalise on, opportunities. The impasse was broken when a Stour attack broke down and ‘Dale forced their way up field where Centre, Liam Checksfield released Guy Pike for his second Try, converted by Rob Parker and a 15 – 12 advantage. The Stour purple patch continued, as they seemed to capitulate in an almost mesmeric state. An ascendant home team exerted more pressure as replacement Ben Haigh took advantage after a quick tap penalty and Parker added the extras for a half time home haul of 22 points against the Stour dozen.

After the break, the wind died down a little but became more erratic and it was difficult to gauge where it was blowing. Tynedale restarted play and Stef Thorp salvaged loose ball after a Louie Spence, Salmon like leap, retrieved possession from a prone position. However, it took the visitors 10 minutes to reduce the lead. It started from a scrum following a Tynedale knock on which video evidence may have confirmed a possible deliberate act. However, Callum Morris spotted an inside gap, charging forward with Sam Montieri in support. Sam took a difficult pass and found Joe Heatley close behind. He had enough speed and space to cross the line and Chris Scott’s conversion made it 22 – 19!

Stour then took the lead after some mixed passages of play when both sides were making unforced errors. However, Jack Lea scored his second Try ensuring a Try Bonus Point for his side with just 15 minutes left to play. At this stage, Tynedale were looking at a potentially pointless proposition but the home fans found plenty to praise after Pike’s play put Checksfield over the line with just five minutes left to play and a 3 point lead at 27 – 24!

From the restart, Tynedale knocked on and soon after, referee James O’Brien lost patience with persistent passages of penalty plays. Down to 14 players, ‘Dale were unable to stem the tide as the ball was sent wide into the grateful hands of Dan Rundle who scored his 2nd Try of the game and 29th of the season. The conversion was academic as the clock had now ticked its last tock and Tynedale turned in defeat for just the 4th time at home, against their Black Country rivals.

FINAL SCORE – 27 – 29 which leaves Tynedale 9th place on 57 points whilst Stourbridge move to 6th place with 67 points.

The squad stayed to witness Tynedale hospitality and the televised England v Wales game. Perhaps, we should all wish Wynn Jones well in recovering his manhood? All had a good night but the 330-minute Sunday return journey to Stourton Park was somewhat tedious!

Next week we (hopefully) get to Wharfedale for the (twice) rearranged fixture before a 3rd successive away journey to Sheffield on 21st March.

In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands and self immolate if in doubt.