NEIL Mitchell says Stourbridge RFC will fight to the bitter end despite relegation almost being a certainty.

Last Saturday’s 40-5 defeat at Wharfedale has left the Saxons in such a position that to say they have a mountain to climb seems an understatement.

With six games and 30 points left to play for, they are 21 points adrift of safety and could be relegated this weekend if they lose at home to Rosslyn Park and other results go against them.

Director of rugby Mitchell, pictured, is all too aware of the situation but says pride and the unpredictable nature of the RFU should keep his players going.

He said: “We have to aim to be the best we can for the remainder of the season, even if the maths is against us.

“I hate losing more than anyone and my enthusiasm has never waned.

“We have got to stay positive. There are still six games to go and a lot can happen beyond that too.

“I’ve been involved in rugby for a long time and the RFU is a strange beast.

“There has been talk of re-organising the division above us or we could see something happen to Cambridge.

“Anything could happen so it’s vital we at least finish ahead of Bees at least.”

Stour’s hopes on Saturday were not helped by season-ending injuries at Wharfedale to skipper Ben Hughes and fellow second rower Robbie Hurrell, while Alex Rovira is also out with a neck injury.

Mitchell says his side could not cope with the hosts.

He said: “They smelled blood and a weakened team and went for it, if I was their coach I would be saying job done.

“It’s going to be very, very tough for us now.

“But all we can do is look at the next game.

“Rosslyn are in mid-table and will probably see coming to us as a chance to experiment, which could help us.”