South Leicester 46 (7T), Stourbridge 26 (4T)

STOUR'S plan to finish the season on a high was foiled by determined opposition who played with more guile and determination than their campaign-weary visitors.

Playing into a strong wind Stour had all the possession and territory in the opening exchanges but failed to make it count on the scoreboard.

South Leicester’s experienced fly half Rickie Aley then reversed the momentum with a neat chip ahead followed by slick inter-passing that put winger Ryan Olowofela over for the first of his hat-trick of tries.

Stour hit back with a penalty award kicked to the corner, lineout ball moved to centre James Otutaha whose sublime running line earned him a try converted by outside half Luke White.

But, following a deep kick from Aley, Stour coughed up lineout possession to flanker Wes Cope, his offload found the elusive Olowofela who rounded the defence to score.

After losing lock forward Nick Murphy to the sinbin for a high tackle the hosts kicked for the corner and drove a maul over, hooker Dale Ager scoring.

A quick tap penalty by fullback Rod Petty saw the ball fed to winger Dan Rundle who outran the defences to make the half time score 19 – 12 after a touchdown for the hosts was denied by a forward pass call.

After the break Stour started strongly and kicked a penalty award to touch but again fluffed their lineout, attack turning to defence as the hosts broke clear, and following a series of phases lock forward Will Ward crossed for a try.

With White forced off by a head injury Stour showed some promise when hooker Jack Lea crashed over following a pick and drive sequence, but Aley clawed back three points following a further penalty for a high tackle.

Centre Joe Heatley pounced on loose ball and drove over to secure a try bonus point for Stour, but legs started to tire and in a final flurry the hosts closed the game out with tries for replacement Chris Gibbs and Olowofela.

The result saw Stour finish in a disappointing eighth place in National 2 North, losing their form and confidence at the back end of the season following a promising start.

Sunday May 7 will see a Stourbridge dream team take on a Barbarians side featuring a number of internationals, this is a fundraiser for Stacey Hurrell (wife of Stour favourite Robbie) who is suffering from MS and hoping to undergo HSCT treatment. 3pm ko.