Stourbridge 20 Coventry 12 by John Wilkinson.

On top for the first 25 minutes, Cov seemed devoid of ideas and the guile required to unlock a stubborn home defence once they got within striking range.

And, spurning what seemed to be two kickable penalty chances to go for territory and coming away with nothing, it didn’t get much better as Stourbridge broke the deadlock on the half hour.

Cov’s initially dominant scrum was less effective once Stourbridge changed their props at half-time, while the line-out was hit-and-miss as Cov old boy Robbie Hurrell put in a commanding display.

Injuries are taking a toll – the composure Luke Myring brings to their play was missing, while the absence of Alex Nash is being felt in key areas and Cov have yet to see the best of long-term casualty Jamie Miller.

But there were tired performances throughout the side and Cov clearly need a refresher to get back their bite.

Cov’s first chance came on six minutes, Elliott Read hitting the right post from a 30-metre drop goal attempt but when referee Darren Gamage brought play back a few metres for a penalty, Cov elected to go for touch and a line-out, which came to nothing.

Cov were made to pay when Hurrell stole a line-out 30 metres out, broke deep into the 22 and set up the move which ended in winger Nathan Bressington running through.

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