Stourbridge v Coventry match preview and results roundup

This Saturday 19th March Coventry visit Stourbridge kick off 3pm, who are their nearest midlands rivals, in this re-arranged league match from Boxing Day. Stourbridge were founded in 1876, two years after Coventry, and moved to their purpose built ground at Stourton in 1965. They last met in the 2nd game of the season, with both teams virtually fielding new squads; Coventry beat Stourbridge 45-32 in an exciting game.

Under Director of Rugby, Neil Mitchell., assisted by ex Worcester stalwarts Tony Windo and Thinus Delport, Stourbridge have cemented their close relationship with Worcester Warriors. They are currently in 7^h position in NL1, on 56 points, with 11 wins and 11 defeats, 7 points ahead of Coventry in 10^th place.

However their recent form has been inconsistent losing to Redruth and Cinderford, but are back on track after last weeks win over Otley.

Stourbridge players to watch out for is the experienced Ali Bressington as fullback, Charlie Fellows (Worcester) on the wing, and 2 goal kicking No 10’s in Luke Cozens (Worcester) and Cameron Brown (Loughborough Students). In livewire scrum half Tom Richardson, they have a player who can score tries, as well as new centre Charlie Hayter (Nottingham).

Other squad members include David Askew, also known to Coventry supporters.

An exciting game is in prospect on  Saturday as Stourbridge will want to maintain the momentum in getting up to 7^th whilst Coventry need to get back to winning ways to vanquish any fears of relegation, and again go on to win their 1^st double of the season.

FIXTURES    19^TH MARCH

Blaydon         v    Redruth

Cinderford     v    Sedgley Park

Otley              v   Wharfedale

Rosslyn Park  v   Blackheath

Stourbridge     v  Coventry

A somewhat truncated fixture list this Saturday, consisting of re-arranged games. With the top four not playing, and Rosslyn Park and Blackheath fighting it out for 5^th place, it is left to the bottom half of the table to provide the thrills and  excitement , as 2 of the 3 relegation places are being fought over.

With Launceston also not playing, it is left to the fixture between Blaydon and Redruth being the key, as another defeat for Redruth would make them favourites for the 3^rd relegation place. Likewise defeat for Otley would cement their position in 15^th place.

Yet Cinderford v Sedgley Park as well as Coventry’s tricky away game at Stourbridge could leave all three teams looking over their shoulders.

Once again too many of the games are too close to call, leaving another nerve wracking afternoon for supporters and coaches alike.

Results round up Saturday 12th March

Barking        41                12    Tynedale

Blaydon        20                27   Wharfedale

Cambridge    12                27   London Scottish

Cinderford     26               21   Rosslyn Park

Coventry        25               34   Launceston

Macclesfield   44              17   Blackheath

Sedgley Park   34              24   Redruth

Stourbridge      21              19   Otley

It has to be said that Coventry’s home defeat against Launeston was the surprise of the round, giving Launceston a narrow lifeline to escape from relegation. Of the  bottom 8 sides it was only Coventry and Redruth who failed to get at least 1 bonus point, which puts more pressure on the bottom 8 clubs fighting to avoid the 3 relegation spots.

As expected there were bonus point’s wins for the top 2, London Scottish and Barking, whilst Macclesfield maintained the pressure for position 3 over Cambridge.

Surprise losses for Blackheath and Rosslyn Park make the 5^th and 6^th place up for grabs. Stourbridge winning has made them virtually safe, but  with Redruth and Otley losing it gives a breathing space to those teams above them but a loss by Blaydon  brings them within range of Redruth and Otley, albeit with a game in hand.

Coventry Rugby press office