With both sides looking for their first win of the season it was the home side that got off to the better start. After three minutes Lutterworth scored a try in the corner and backed this up with another try six minutes later, both unconverted.

With 18 minutes on the clock, winger Josh Trinham intercepted the ball and went on to score a try with the Lutterworth team unable to live with his pace. The try was converted by captain Ben Trinham. 10-7 game on!

Ten minutes later Lutterworth scored again in front of the posts and it was converted thus increasing the gap to ten points. After half an hour prop Ross Bowser had to leave the pitch, luckily walking, after being knocked unconscious. Ben O'Sullivan returning to the pitch in his place. Three minutes later, after a scrum metres away from the try line it was Will Trimmer who grounded the ball between the posts, making it an easy conversion for scrum half Trinham. The deficit was reduced to three points. A successfully converted penalty, two minutes later, for Lutterworth, meant their lead increased again, 20-14.

A couple of minutes later it was Lutterworth who gave away a penalty. Trinham was successful and once again Stourbridge Lions were only three points adrift. Another penalty was awarded just before half time but with the Lutterworth scrum dominating and little time on the clock, Trinham was left with no choice but to attempt a long kick, which went just wide. Lutterworth were the dominant side in the first half so the Lions did well to only be trailing by 3 points.

At the start of the second half came the rain. This lead to some handling errors from both teams and plenty of kicking back and forth. Both had try scoring opportunities but the defence was relentless and there were no tries after half time. Lutterworth then missed a penalty opportunity, followed by the Lions being awarded two penalties for Lutterworth playing the scrum half and offside. Unfortunately, skipper Trinham was unsuccessful on both occasions - agonisingly close with the second attempt as it hit the crossbar. Richard Pennock was inches away from catching the rebound - near misses the story of the Lions' season so far.

For the second match in a row the final whistle blew with Stourbridge 5 metres from the try line. The first win for Lutterworth and another losing bonus point for the Lions. After two very close losses the Stourbridge Lions will be looking for their first win of the season next week at home against Melbourne who are just above them in the table.

Match Report and photos by Sian Davies.