STOURBRIDGE RFC 14 v DMPRFC 5

Stourbridge RFC shaved it on the basis of their first half performance, initial dominance up front and good defence when it mattered.

Having said that, DMPRFC played their part and despite the low scoring, all those present at Stourton Park were thoroughly entertained, with the result never assured until the final whistle.

The home side followed a game plan of starving the opposition of the ball with which to unleash their dangerous backs and although simple, this ploy was certainly effective on the day and a contrast to the corresponding fixture back at the Northern Echo Arena.

After an initial burst from the kick-off, where DMPRFC applied some pressure on the home defence, the majority of the first half was played in the visitors half.

Stourbridge forwards showed no sign of their back foot experience of the first encounter, taking the game to their promotion chasing counterparts from the off.

As both packs jostled for supremacy, prop Josh BAYFORD took a blow to the face, which effectively ended his game at that point (although he did pay on for a further 20 minutes, the game was over for him).

The first scrummage subsequently faltered and credit to Stourbridge, they used it to their advantage and after another set scrum, the Stourbridge No.8 forced his way over from the back after six minutes had elapsed (5 – 0). The conversion was missed wide.

Stourbridge dominated the scrum afterwards, until Josh BAYFORD was replaced by Henry SANDYS, who had an immediate effect, settling the visiting scrum to a more even competition, with Stourbridge themselves having to replace a prop.

Prior to that, DMPRFC hooker Ross DONEGHAN received his marching orders, when yellow carded for deliberately pulling down a maul. He was replaced in order for scrummages to take place by Ross WHITE, necessitating winger Tom KILL to undergo an enforced 10 minute absence.

DMPRFC did have an opportunity to level, when Zylon McGAFFIN broke with blistering pace, nearly outstripping the covering defence and as his progressed was stopped, he failed to see and offload to full back Henry ROBINSON, who would have been clean through and under the posts.

Stourbridge continued to pound into the visiting defence, but were repelled by an aggressive defence, where ‘no quarter was asked or given’.

Stourbridge spurned several kickable opportunities for a kick to the corner, but stoic defence kept them out with every catch and drive they adopted. Big runners were also knocked backwards, as the visitors defence held solid.

In attack, DMPRFC were limited by the home side to several long range opportunities, trying to break out of defence and when forced into defence, Stourbridge proved equally up to the task.

However, Stourbridge were successful with a penalty from their winger prior to oranges (8 – 0).

As the interval arrived, Stourbridge deserved their advantage, but must have been ruing the fact that they should have scored more points. Conversely, DMPRFC, in spite of having been severely tested, must have been satisfied with the opposition only having secured a small advantage.

As the second half took shape, DMPRFC endeavoured to up the pace, which did affect the big home forwards, who had decided to opt for the more sedate pace, but this was proving to be an effective ploy by the visitors as the game wore on.

DMPRFC were again reduced in numbers, as lock Talite VAIOLETI was harshly sin-binned for preventing release of the ball at ruck time.

When down in numbers, DMPRFC upped their game and Zylon McGAFFIN scored the only try for the visitors, with the first points after the interval, after a series of pick and drives by the forwards (8 – 5).

Talite VAIOLETI was closely followed by a Stourbridge lock, who was also sin-binned for a deliberate knock on, as DMPRFC put the pressure on the home defence.

Stourbridge also had their chances after oranges and on one occasion appeared to have the ball over the line, only for the decision to favour DMPRFC as the ball was adjudged to be held up. From the resulting scrimmage, DMPRFC won the ball against the head and managed to clear their lines.

As replacements were introduced and the game began to build towards a finale, DMPRFC conceded two kickable penalties, which the Stourbridge kicker slotted easily 14 – 5).

As time ran out, the game was skilfully wound down by a tired Stourbridge, who deserved their win on the day.

Credit to Stourbridge. Great hospitality and good fans that certainly enjoy their rugby.