With 40 miles and 2 counties between the two clubs, this was a "local derby" in name only. The intensity was reminiscent of the days before Luctonians were relegated to Midlands Premier League 2 years ago. Given an attendance figure of 670 – at least 600 of whom were locals, the atmosphere ranged from antagonistic to tribal but ‘home advantage’ has always been a key feature and important weapon in “Lucs” armoury.

Both sides were missing key players through injury or absences which showed in a nervous and scrappy start with neither team dominating territory or possession. However, it was Lucs who took the first blood when, after 8 minutes, a clever cross field kick was pounced on by left winger Charlie Grimes and his try was converted by Scrum Half Owen Randell.

Stourbridge did strike back but it took nearly 20 minutes and it could have happened earlier had they not made too many errors, given away penalties or had greater lineout success. However, it was the inevitable maul (from a lineout) that saw Jack Lea driven over the line for his first of the day and a nice Michael Heaney conversion made it level at 7-7. Lucs struck back within 5 minutes when they sent clean lineout ball through the hands of their three-quarter line eventually to Full Back Rob Bengry who dotted down in the left side corner. Randell made no mistake with his tough conversion attempt.

The remainder of the half continued in a similar vein to first efforts with both sides conceding penalties. Toward the end, Stour did show some promise with a series of forays inside Lucs territory. However, opting for a quick tap penalty, instead of a scrum or ‘safe’ 3 points, the maul was deemed as being held up by an unsighted referee and the home side were able to clear the pressure via a try line drop out. The last play of the half-comprised Stour’s attacking lineout bundled into touch and leaving the coaching staff 10 minutes to make appropriate comments and suggestions to the players!

Substitutions were made and, combined with injuries to Smith and Moseley the visitors were looking to change players, fortunes and the scoreboard. It was interesting to watch ex Stour player, now Head Coach at Luctonians, Ryan Watkins, BBC interview about this game. His last words were “…we will come out fighting…”! Not exactly the case as they waited until the second half for this.

An incident by Lucs No 14 on Stef Thorp gave rise to a small scuffle which soon led to quite a large one, involving all of the players and not insubstantial verbal encouragement by the spectators. TRP describe it as a “mass melee” but the upshot was yellow cards for Grimes and Thorp followed by Red Cards for No 8 Sam Jones and Stour’s Second Row, Matt Perks. Following a consultation between the referee, Lloyd Davies and his officials, it was deemed that punches had been thrown. However, these allegations have been strongly denied and Stour DoR Neil Mitchell will submit an appeal. No doubt, any video footage should prove who is right or who is wrong but, soon after, reference to 'bullying' was heard to come from somewhere near the DoR's location!

Stour’s cause was not helped when Jack Lea was on the end of a ‘technical’ Yellow Card and the visitors were now down to 13 players. Lucs pressure was too great to resist and a Penalty Try took the hosts to a 21-7 lead on the hour. However, it was Stourbridge who scored next with a slick move along the line where Mark Harrison scooted over in the left corner. Heaney made a superb conversion and the game seemed to turn a little in favour of Stour.

However, with time running out and chasing the scoreboard, Stourbridge efforts were thwarted when ‘hurried’ moves went astray and a Luc’s boot sent the ball back inside Stour’s half. A chasing Luctonian appeared to be tackled before reaching the ball and a penalty was awarded 40 metres out. Randell made no mistake and his kick took the lead up to 24-14 with just minutes on the clock and Stourbridge needing a miracle to come away with a Bonus Point.

From the restart, a Luc’s player knocked on and this ball was caught by his colleague. However, just a scrum was awarded albeit that would have been the preferred choice given Stour’s superior scrum dominance rather than lesser lineout luck! The set piece was won, and the ball sent to the right-hand side. Several phases later, and with the last play of the game the arms of Jack Lea engulfed the ball and he was bundled over for his 11th Try of the season, ensuring the Bonus Point and enough to take Stourbridge one place up the league table into third, leap-frogging Rotherham Titans.

Meanwhile, at Stourton Park, Stourbridge Lions failed to improve on a half time score of 14-17, eventually succumbing to a 14-49 defeat at the hands of Longton.

Our next game is another away fixture, this time against leaders Hull. With Sedgley Park (2nd) away to Rotherham (4th) there could be some interesting and season defining changes at the top of the table. Hopefully, we can benefit from the two weeks of rest looking to get players fit, repaired, or returned from other duties.

Wishing all our rugby friends a very Merry Christmas and Healthy Happy New Year!