Kings Norton Friendly

Following on from their stellar performance last week, half of the squad travelled over to Kings Norton for an impromptu match against the same tough players who put them through their paces last week.

We were also joined by half a dozen players from Old Salts RFC who were quickly and easily assimilated by both teams in to their line ups in a lovely example of sportsmanship from all the players.

Due to the numbers available, it was decided that we would play rolling periods resulting in an hour of total play which saw some really great pressure from both teams.

We commenced with a great run down almost the whole pitch by Ben G resulting in a try from Rhys at around 2 minutes in. Kings Norton weren't going to let that stand and quickly followed up with a try of their own after their player slipped through the fingers of our defensive line.

The second period saw KN taking their turn at the early lead but Owen T replied with a full length run for the equaliser. Another short break saw an uptick in the speed of play with the 3rd period seeing the two tries from Ben G and Ben H being matched by two from KN.

I will admit the 4th period got away from me a little due to a couple of injuries on Stour's side however KN managed to slip a try through. Period 5 saw some fancy footwork from Charlie avoiding the defence and equalising the score once again.

The final period was just as full on as the previous 5 with a dropped try on the line resulting in a penalty in Kings Norton's favour. Our boys immediately regained possession with Ben G sneaking through for a further try putting us just ahead. We narrowly avoided an equaliser by a tackle in to touch performed by Max however Kings Norton were not ready to give up and in an impressively performed rip on the line managed to get their equaliser after all.

Once again at even scores with only seconds to go Owen T once again employed the tackle in to touch tactic to avoid a conceded try and end the game at 6 tries each and with some excellent rugby seen by both teams.

As ever, it is important to note that tries are not the only thing that matter and without the assistance of Cole, Tom B, Maurice, Cam, and Jack, none of these would have been possible. Great teamwork seen all around!

I'm really proud of the Stour boys for their inclusivity by integrating the Old Salts players in to the squad and not giving up against really tough competition - the Kings Norton boys are well organised and consistent in their play which made our Stour squad work even harder. Whilst there is always room for improvement, they all put the effort in to ensure we gave as good as we received.