Stourbridge face promotion rivals Manchester

Mar 28 2008

PROMOTIONS are not won by a single fixture but the winners of tomorrow's clash between Manchester and Stourbridge will find the odds on them playing their rugby in National One next season shortened considerably.

Manchester have not only won their two games in hand but did it in style, collecting 10 points to leave them third to Stourbridge's second by dint of Stour having won a game more.

With three games to go after this one, there is little time to make up lost ground.

Stour have to face Henley at home and Nuneaton away, teams second and third-bottom respectively and fighting for survival.

They then finish with mid-table Southend at home. Manchester have the long trip to Redruth, a home berth against Cambridge and then end the season at Blackheath, who lie fourth. Otley are two points clear at the top.

Club president Ian Cole: "It all boils down to tomorrow. We need something out of this fixture.

"We have got an easier run-in but I think we have to assume that Otley, Manchester and ourselves, will win our remaining games.

"The only one that one of us is not going to win is tomorrow between us and Manchester, which makes it critical."

Stour have no new fitness worries and Aussie utility back Rod Petty is set to continue at fly-half.