Express & Star

Rugby: Patched-up Stourbridge's perfect run is ended

An injury-hit Stourbridge were handed their first defeat of the season in National Two North, being downed 20-14 at Sheffield Tigers.

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Neil Mitchell’s charges went into the game with a perfect record – nine bonus-point victories – and are seven points clear at the top despite the loss, writes Joe Edwards.

Stour’s character will be tested greatly over the coming weeks though as – after having players on the sidelines with broken legs, a concussion, a damaged eye socket and Norovirus – skipper Sam Pailor limped off with a knee knock.

Chris Scott also went off before half-time with a suspected broken cheekbone and Chad Thorne suffered a deep cut above his right eye.

“We just ran out of numbers – we had a small squad,” said Mitchell.

“Sometimes you have good resilience in numbers, and sometimes you don’t.

“We were on our heels with injuries and unavailability. We have shown that we are not perfect, and we were exposed.

“Yes, we have injuries but I don’t want to take anything away from Sheffield Tigers.

“Every team suffers with injuries at some point, and they were the better team.”

Stour fell behind early on, with the hosts grabbing a try – and converting.

Dan Rundle soon crashed over in reply, with Scott adding the extras.

The Tigers raced into a 20-7 lead going into the break.

Nicky Murphy forced his way over near to the end, and the conversion was made, to come away with a bonus point.

Stour are set play on a new artificial surface at Stourton Park for the first time as they host Sale on Saturday.

“It’s looking like we will be on the new pitch, which the players have been looking forward to since pre-season and will be just what is needed after this past weekend,” said Mitchell.

“The main thing for me is trying to get some bodies back, but I doubt that will be an easy task.”

In the Midlands Premier, Old Halesonians suffered a 90-0 trouncing at Peterborough Lions. Lichfield tasted defeat, going down 42-17 to Derby.