Saturday’s Midlands 1 West league games were rearranged fixtures due to the December weather, which meant that many teams had players unavailable, and Stourbridge were no exception, with numerous players on holiday. The strength in depth at the Club meant that the Lions could still field a strong team to face Camp Hill. However, the home side got off to a shaky start. Within six minutes Camp Hill had scored a try and penalty meaning Stourbridge were down by ten points. Five minutes later a Stourbridge lineout resulting in a rolling maul, with Sam Wilkes the ball carrier, gave Stour their first points of the game. Points deficit down to 5 and a few Stourbridge nerves calmed.

Five minutes later, George Tildesley was through for a clear try, however play was stopped due to a fight started by a disgruntled Camp Hill forward back at the 5m line. After the issue was resolved, a scrum was given to Stourbridge where Tildesley had been at the stoppage. The ball came out to Sam Wilson, who managed to stay on his feet despite the best efforts of two Camp Hill players. Eventually being caught, the ball went out to Jack Noott before Wilkes gained possession and powered through the defence in another rolling maul, for his second try of the match. A successful conversion meant the home side took the lead for the first time; 12-10. Stourbridge capitalised on their momentum and two minutes later a lineout won in the opposing 22 was passed to 6 different players before Tildesley received the ball on the wing and got the try he had been denied previously in the game. Just before half-time Camp Hill successfully converted a penalty to keep them within a score of the Lions; 17-13 and all to play for.

No points were scored for nearly half an hour in the second half. Camp Hill had a player sin binned, but Stour Lions failed to take advantage of the extra man, despite having three scrums 5m from the line. Agonisingly close on numerous occasions. It was actually the visiting side that scored next and a successful conversion put them 3 points clear with just over ten minutes to play. Lions again came within a metre of scoring but Camp Hill were not giving up their lead without a fight. However, a lineout won by Tom Noott lead to another rolling maul and a hat trick for Sam Wilkes. The delight on the Stourbridge players’ faces clear to see as half the team picked themselves up off the floor after the play. With 7min still to go, and the points difference only 2, Lions couldn’t relax. Nevertheless, there was no way Stour were going to give up the lead they had fought so hard for, and the final result was Stour Lions 22 Camp Hill 20; a third bonus point win in as many games. Lions are now 5th in the table with 8 games to play.

Match Report and pics by Sian Davies