Express & Star

Stourbridge slip to fourth after home loss

Stourbridge slipped to fourth in the National Two North table after a surprise 23-10 defeat at home to Sale.

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It was very much a game to forget for the hosts, with their lowly visitors deservedly taking four much-needed points as they scrap for survival in the division.

Sale were 3-0 up with 14 minutes gone, but fly-half Chris Scott levelled the scores just before the half-hour-mark.

Sale's Liam McGovern was in fine form though and Stour found themselves 13 points behind after an hour.

Replacement Joe Bridger got a try as the home side rallied late on, but the defeat was sealed when Sale winger John O'Donnell went over following a quick breakaway.

Poor handling hindered Stour throughout the game and they will hope for better in their final two encounters, both away from home. They make the trip to Luctonians on Saturday.

Old Halesonians finished the National Three Midlands season on a high with a 15-7 home win over Nuneaton.

Hales were third going into the game, which had to be played on a training pitch due to the usual one being waterlogged, while Nuneaton were fourth.

The home side got off to a flying start with Ben Hughes gliding over for a try, which was converted by Oli Rayner, to lead 7-0 after just two minutes.

Nuneaton were soon level after a well-worked try, but winger Jay Reid sprinted past his man to score for a 12-7 lead at the interval.

Rayner converted a penalty in the second period to seal the win ahead of their North Midlands Cup semi-final against Birmingham & Solihull this Friday.

Lichfield finished the season 11th following a 51-42 defeat at Sandbach.

In Midlands One West, Walsall ended an otherwise miserable campaign with a rare win over Burton.

Their relegation from the division was confirmed a few weeks ago and they had only three victories heading into the clash.

The 9-0 home win certainly restored some pride and provides a bit of optimism heading into the division below next term.

Luke Greenwood and Stefan Shillingford were among the try scorers as Dudley Kingswinford won 45-35 at Stoke-on-Trent.

They play their final game of the campaign at home to Silhillians on Saturday, after which they will hold their end-of-season presentation.

Kidderminster Carolians came out with the bragging rights after a 24-20 victory at Stafford in Midlands Two West.

Kidderminster were keen to make amends after throwing away a 26-10 lead in the reverse fixture at the start of the season to lose 28-26, and Chris Pinner knocked over a penalty for an early advantage.

Stafford were 20-17 ahead late on but James Lloyd-Jones scored under the posts and Pinner converted to seal a hard-fought win.

Kidderminster now look forward to the North Midlands Shield final against Old Saltleians on May 8.

Stourbridge Lions beat Harborne 60-5 and Wolverhampton won 17-5 against Camp Hill.

In Midlands Three West, Willenhall beat local rivals Bloxwich 40-24 to finish the season in sixth.

Bloxwich, already down, face champions Tamworth on Saturday. Wednesbury also fared well in a local clash, beating Burntwood 25-19, but are set to compete in Midlands Four West next season.

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