Stourbridge 39, Tynedale 11

CONFIDENT Stourbridge showed their cutting edge with a seven-try mauling of visitors Tynedale at Stourton Park today.

Fresh from last weekend's brilliant win at Sedgley Park and in front of their own fans for the first time in a month, Stour secured their second back-to-back success of the season in impressive fashion.

However, they did have to come from behind after a slow start to the contest.

The visitors enjoyed some good early possession and eventually worked the ball right for Ben Duncan to carry over in only the eighth minute.

The hosts suddenly woke up and wasted no time in hitting back.

They showed their threat with the ball in hand when the flying Josh Trinham burst though. He fed Rod Petty in support but a knock on with the try-line at his mercy prevented Stour's first score.

Petty only had to wait five minutes to finally get his name on the scoresheet though.

A host of well-worked phased in the 14th minute came to a successful conclusion as Petty collected out on the right to level matters. Chris Scott missed the chance to add the extras.

But, just when it looked like Stour might get on top, it was Tynedale once more that edged ahead, this time from the boot of Ash Smith to make it 8 - 5 to the visitors.

It was Tynedale that were enjoying more possession in a close early affair. Another Smith penalty pushed them further ahead on 25 minutes.

However, that lead they'd worked so hard to achieve was wiped out just before the half hour mark as Stour displayed their attacking threat once more.

This time it was Nigel Mukarati, making his 101st appearance for the club, that powered over. Scott converted to make it 12 - 11 to the home side.

More pressure from a confident Stour resulted in Joe Carpenter bagging try number three right on the stroke of half time.

Scott couldn't add the extras but despite a tricky opening 15 minutes it was the hosts that went in with their tails up.

The second half was to see their dominance emphatically underlined.

If the first half was a pretty even encounter the second was all about Neil Mitchell's men showing their attacking prowess.

Chris Depper was the next to get to the try line in the 52nd minute.

It all came about after Joe Heatley broke two tackles in the centre of the pitch. After being awarded a penalty when a Tynedale man came in at the side, the hosts kicked for the corner.

A successful catch and drive ended with Depper pushing his side further ahead and securing the bonus point.

All they had to do now was finish the job and win the game.

They did it in style with two quick-fire tries in a three minute period just past the hour mark.

First Mukarati bagged his second after a good run down the touchline by Will Harding before Ash Elvers ran half the length of the field to outpace the cover soon after. Scott land one of the conversions.

Stour then wrapped up proceedings in style when Joe Bridge went over in the 80th minute after another thrilling break.

The home side started slowly but confidence was high by the end and the players showed just how ruthless they can be when they run with the ball in hand.

Before the game, director of rugby Neil Mitchell spoke about the importance of building momentum and backing up last weekend's away success.

His players did just that and will now go to Chester next weekend looking for a hat-trick of victories.

Stourbridge: Petty, Trinham, Heatley, Otutaha, Elvers, Scott, Handley, Thorpe, Harding, George, Depper, Hurrell, Mukarati, Carpenter, Nicholls.

Replacements: Sturdy, Roddy, Wilkes, Rodley, Bridger.

Tynedale: Parker, Duncan, Harrison, Smith, Walker, Outson, Taylor, Southern, Frankland, Haigh, Cousin, Dunn, Bell, Cairns, Powell.

Replacements: White, Proctor, Gaff, Redman, Brown.