Sat 5 Oct 2019, 15:00
The first game of the season for the 2nd XV was the first opportunity for Stourport’s newest players to cut their teeth in the game. Delva Henry and Brad Nunn making their rugby debuts and Shaun Weavers getting on the field for the first time since school. Not only that but some sorely missed players from last year, returned from temporary retirement.
The first half saw another first for the club, Paul "The Salmon" Wilcox had his debut at the fly half. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by the Stourbridge backs as he crashed into their lines and only being stopped by gang tackles.
Stourport’s mismatched squad was prevalent early on as it lacked structure, however as the game went on they began to find their stride. Strong scrummaging from the start, thanks mainly to the experience of the front 3; Gerwyn Jones, Matt Roberts & Alan Banks, gave the home team a stable base to work from.
An experienced Stourbridge side took their chances as they came, breaking through the Stourport defence 10min in to score their first try.
Debutant Brad Nunn got his chance to show what he could do, as fly half Paul Wilcox popped the ball back inside from the scrum, giving him space to stretch his legs.
After defending for a lot of the half, and conceding 17 points, it’s fair to say that Stourport were looking forward to the half time break.
The second half saw a different Stourport team take to the pitch, as Captain Rich Foley and number 8 Jord Kelly started bossing the game. Jord Kelly led from the front with communication and physical effort, taking crash after crash and making yards every time. Then it was over to the captain to release his backs, who, for the second half were at the mercy of Dean Yarranton. Some might say that he would create a more expansive game than the second row Paul Wilcox, however it wasn’t the case. Dean loves nothing more than running over defenders so that’s what he did.
The only score of the half came from a well worked phase of forwards crash ball, culminating in a push over try from the once fly half Paul Wilcox, converted by the captain Rich Foley.
For the most part, the game was played exactly the way development rugby should be. Hitting hard and enjoying it as they went.
We would like to thanks Stourbridge for bringing such a positive attitude to the game and we look forward to seeing them again at their place.
Dean in the centre doing what he does best.
Flanker Nigel Blackshaw in his first game since his return from injury.
The newest member of the team, Delva Henry, posing for the crowd.
