STOURBRIDGE director of rugby Neil Mitchell was happy with the way his side overcame South Leicester to begin their season with a win.

Stour battled to a 19-13 victory at Stourton Park thanks to four penalties from debutant Luke White and a try from Derryn Jones.

Their rearguard then held firm to make sure they came out on top from a competitive opening day tussle.

He said: "I was really pleased. The wind dictated the game and the tactics for us. It made it much more simple than a normal game.

"We knew 12 points (at half time) wasn't enough but I was really impressed with Luke White today. It was great goal kicking but that 12 points also gave us a sniff. We knew they'd come back but I was really pleased with our resilience.

"South Leicester obviously have good resources and you can tell they have recruited really well and I think they'll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

They will be extremely hard to beat at home so it is good to get that home win.

"I have great belief in these boys and we do have strength in depth and I think we'll go very well this year and that performance for me was important, not just the win, but the way the players were connecting."

Mitchell also praised the work of Billy Harding and Stour's defensive unit.

"Billy Harding, for me, was man of the match. He's a hooker but played open side flanker against probably one of the best teams in this league.

"In previous seasons we would have wilted a little."

He also believes there is much more to come from his players as the season develops.

He added: "In the first half we didn't play more than three phases but the exciting thing is that we have the players to do that.

"Once we start to do that I think we'll score some tries.

"But, just as a game on it's own, for our first game of the season, I'm extremely pleased."