Mitchell: We've won nothing yet (From Halesowen News)

Mitchell: We've won nothing yet

1:30pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in Stourbridge RFC

NEIL Mitchell says Stourbridge still have quite a task to secure the National Two North title.

The Stourton Park side return to action this Saturday when they travel to Otley.

Stour have led the league from the gun but their seemingly serene progress toward promotion has taken a hit in recent weeks, with a defeat to Bromsgrove and a scrappy showing against Caldy.

Second-placed Hull Ionians’ 28-27 win at Darlington Mowden Park last Saturday kept them close enough to be of concern, should Stour slip up again.

Director of rugby Mitchell said Hull’s victory had been a surprise.

He said: “Not many people expected Ionians to win and you have to expect they will win their games in hand.

“That will cut our lead to nine points and most of our remaining fixtures are against teams in the top half.

“If anything, it highlights we still have quite a task on our hands.”

Mitchell says his team will continue to be positive.

He added: “There are two ways to go about it.

“Either we start looking over our shoulders and worrying about what’s going on behind us, or we carry on looking up like a team who won their first 18 games of the season.

“I think the second way is the preferred option.

“The bottom line is had I been offered this position at the start of the season I would have been very confident.

“Things are very much in our favour. It’s all about making sure a few individuals, and there are a few in the dressing room, don’t think it’s won already.”

Stefan Cooksammy, who requires a minor procedure on his knee, is the only absentee for the trip north.

Saturday’s game is the Saxons’ only one during a barren four week period and Mitchell admits the break has both benefits and drawbacks.

He said: “The disappointing thing is at this stage you want the consistency.

“This is very much the doldrums of the season and it’s always been the way.”