With two consecutive frustrating results behind them Stourbridge Lions travelled to Rugby Lions looking to make amends. In wet and muddy conditions, Stourbridge had a dream start with Will King running 40m before passing to George Tildesley on the wing who was never troubled on his way to score a try with 3min on the clock. An unsuccessful conversion meant the visitors led by 5 points. The home side had 2 penalty kicks in the following 15min however neither were successful.

Despite Rugby Lions having most of the possession in the first half, they failed to penetrate the Stourbridge Lions’ defence who relentlessly put in tackle after tackle. Stourbridge Lions’ pace was superior to Rugby Lions’ who struggled when Stourbridge attacked. Minutes before half time, Alex Jones managed to offload to Jack Noott before being put into touch. Noott then played an integral part in the build up to the try, eventually scored by Josh Brierley in the corner, that moved the visitors 10 points clear.

Ten minutes in to the second half Stourbridge Lions extended their lead to 15 points with a run from Tildesley and Callum Bowden from the half way line with the latter fending off the Rugby outside centre to score the third try. Bowden got his second after the forwards drove over the try line in the 60th minute. Rhys Williams successfully converted to make it 0-22 and the bonus point was secured.

There were two yellow cards for Stourbridge Lions in the last quarter of the game and Rugby Lions took full advantage, scoring a penalty try shortly after the 2nd card. Five minutes later and Rugby doubled their score reducing the deficit to eight points, but Stourbridge Lions were too far ahead and the victory was never in doubt. The final score in very muddy conditions; Rugby Lions 14 Stourbridge Lions 22.

A much-needed and well-deserved result that places Stourbridge Lions 8th in the table and 15 points from the relegation zone. They will be looking to build on this next weekend when they host Stoke-on-Trent. A game that if their previous encounter is anything to go by, should be a thrilling match to watch.

Match Report and pics by Sian Davies