STOURBRIDGE Rugby Club will be guided by a new chairman after a successful play for power at Stourton Park.

The battle for leadership played out at last night's AGM and resulted in a new committee being voted in.

The unprecedented election came about after a group led by former player Robin Edwards decided to stand against the previous committee.

The outcome has seen Edwards replace Carl Wythes as chairman as well as new a new treasurer - former player Chris Cook.

The group that has taken over, known as the Improvement Group, made the move for control after a frustrating spell for fans that has seen the club narrowly miss out on promotion twice in the last three years. Last season was a particular low point as the team ended the campaign in mid-table in National Two North.

The outgoing committee won praise in some quarters for the way they got the club back on an even financial footing by dealing with debts they inherited when they took over.

However, at last night's meeting, Edwards said he has a substantial amount of sponsorship lined up that would significantly boost the club's financial standing.

Meanwhile, director of rugby Neil Mitchell has said the election has not affected his pre-season plans as he looks to revamp the first team squad in time for the new season.