Today we see the start of the second half of the season with Round 16 of league matches. Most appropriately with this being the last game before the Christmas break, we welcome our dear neighbours, Luctonians RFC. Thank goodness that where possible the RFU have attempted to keep travelling distances to a minimum for all clubs and so we have a festive local derby.
Having travelled earlier in the Season to Mortimer Park and coming away with a well entertaining and hard fought victory by 49-32, I look forward today to welcoming Richard Powell and his fellow committee, players and supporters. This is always a game that both teams look forward too and I feel certain we will not be disappointed today. The hospitality we received back in September was tremendous and I hope you enjoy our hospitality today in the return fixture.
The past two weeks has seen us record two fine victories against a couple of very competent teams in Hinckley and Tynedale. The last home match against Hinckley was a very tight game with us winning 15-10. Hinckley had a rich sprinkling of young talent from the academies of Wasps, Nottingham and Bedford, including the young Wasps centre Jacob Umaga, yes, the son of our past coach Mike Umaga, but our Stour lads raised their game to a new level and came out on top. This was followed last Saturday with the very long trip to Corbridge. Thankfully I can report that as a club they have recovered positively from the tragic flood that prevented them from playing on their home ground from December to the start of this season.
Ironically, I understand the day the flood occurred, Luctonians were the visitors and having travelled for many hours were turned around quickly as the Environment Agency would not allow the game to take place as they knew a flood was imminent and all had to evacuate the ground and many local residents.
What a game……..down at half time, not sure what Mitch said to the lads but what a positive effect it had as I witnessed the best half of rugby for many years from two strong teams and without a doubt the best half ever in my opinion from a Stourbridge team. Well done lads, brilliant performance. That has hopefully kicked the ‘away game’ monkey off our shoulders. Without a doubt you all deserved a great night out in ‘the Toon’ afterwards. Unfortunately, it did not go so well for the Lions last week losing a very close game to local rivals Kidderminster. Thankfully Camp Hill slipped up also so the Lions have retained a 5 point advantage at the top of their league.
Last week we held a very successful Christmas Corporate event with 144 people attending. Rob Andrew was our guest speaker and did a superb job of keeping us entertained with many good stories from his playing days. The afternoon was well received by all and a very special thank you to Miles Edge and Louise Price for their organisation.
Great effort!
This was followed on Sunday by our Christmas Fayre. Sadly, Nikki and I could not attended as we were still in Newcastle but I have been told that the event went very well again, thanks to much hard work done by many people.
Finally, I wish everyone an enjoyable afternoon and a great Christmas and wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year. Come on Stour......
Nick Perry
SRFC President
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