An exciting 36-22 home win over Bromsgrove, one of the early pacesetters, saw the Lions gain maximum points and a move up the table to 7th. Five wins before the end of November and 26 points put the club well ahead of the relegation zone with good prospects for moving forward in Midlands 1.

The first half, on the new all-weather pitch at Stourbridge, was nip and tuck throughout. The Lions struck after 12 minutes when a well worked move from a scrum on half-way saw Owen Williams through down the left for an unconverted try. Soon after, however a penalty try to the visitors followed by another unconverted try saw Bromsgrove leading 12-5.

A half of continued stoppages carried on for over 50 minutes but in that time Stour another fine try, finished off by Cass Brookes from a pass by Rhys Williams after a forwards and backs move stretched the visiting defence. The conversion by Sam Wilson left the sides level pegging, although a penalty goal from Bromsgrove left them ahead 15-12 at the break.

The second half opened with a penalty goal from Wilson to bring the sides level again and another Wilson penalty gave the home side a narrow lead. A converted Bromsgrove try gave the visitors another lead, 22-18, but from then on it was all the Lions, in front of a partisan crowd, who took control. Another penalty goal from Wilson was followed by a piece of opportunism by Sam Montieri who tapped and went over from a penalty, converted by Wilson, for a 28-22 lead. The Lions were never headed after that.

Shortly afterwards Fred Brookes snaffled the ball at a ruck and sped off down the left wing, only to be thwarted by a brilliant last-ditch Bromsgrove tackle on the try line. The Lions were not to be denied, however and Steff Thorpe went over from the ensuing ruck to give the bonus points. A final penalty goal near to full time gave the home side a 14 point lead and, despite considerable Bromsgrove pressure in the last 5 minutes or so they held out for a famous victory against the third-placed club in Midlands 1.

A thoroughly merited victory against strong opponents left the Lions crowd and coaching staff very happy at the end. Next game up is against leaders Burton, who have lost once all season.

by JON DEWS, pics by SIAN DAVIES