Chris Rowlands returns to the Stourbridge side to face Birmingham & Solihull this weekend

Dec 19 2008 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

DYNAMIC prop Chris Rowlands makes a timely return to the Stourbridge pack for this weekend’s grudge match with Birmingham & Solihull.

The 25-year-old has not played for more than two months after fracturing his skull against Launceston and his absence has forced Neil Mitchell to field a makeshift front row in some important games.

During Rowlands’ recovery, inexperienced props Joe Baker, Mark George, Jack Gilding and Simon Homer have all had to fill the crucial No.3 shirt, a fact that Mitchell believes has cost his team valuable league points.

Two penalty tries were conceded at home to Blackheath, one against Redruth last time out and the director of rugby maintains a wobbly scrummage also hampered them at Tynedale earlier this month.

And so with second-placed Bees to come to Stourton Park, Mitchell reckons Rowlands’ availability is a big boost.

“He is a very powerful and forceful scrummager,” Mitchell said.

“To have him back is going to be a real boost for the boys. We have lost two points in the last two games because we have been able to provide a good platform.” If they can do that against their near neighbours they will be able to call on the services of former Leeds winger John Holtby who is in line for his debut.