Promotion challenge hangs in the balance for Stourbridge

Oct 10 2008 by Roger Clarke, Birmingham Mail

STOURBRIDGE head off to Cornwall knowing they cannot afford any more slip-ups this season if they are to maintain a promotion challenge.

Stour finished last season in third spot but three losses in the opening five games has not improved their odds of improving on that, although last week’s 43-6 win over Wharfedale will have boosted confidence.

The Cornish All Blacks, relegated last term, have won four of their opening five and will still be smarting after last week’s 19-13 loss at West Country rivals Redruth.

Launceston were guilty of giving away too many penalties and making too many mistakes in that game.

But joint head coach Jon Hill will be working on the lack of discipline and putting his finger on how the All Blacks managed to dominate all the scrums yet still lose with one try being scored from a scrum Launceston had won.