Stourbridge set to take it out on Manchester after 'unacceptable' Wharfedale loss

Oct 30 2009 by Roger Clarke, Birmingham Mail

MANCHESTER are set to feel the backlash from defeat at Wharfedale when they arrive at Stourton Park tomorrow.

Stourbridge director of rugby Neil Mitchell laid down the law to his players this week after Saturday’s “unacceptable” 31-16 loss in the Yorkshire Dales.

He said: “I was extremely disappointed at the capitulation. I like people to enjoy their rugby but it was time to tighten the reins and lay the law down. It is all hands to the pump until we get well out of the relegation area.”

Which puts Manchester firmly in the firing line. The Cheshire side are in all sorts of trouble.

They were relegated last season and are in freefall. They have played eight and shipped 882 points with just 28 in reply.

Mitchell said: “At the start of the season when Esher put 148 points past them, I thought this was a match when I could give some squad players a run but now as far as I am concerned it is a mercenary act.

“We have a job to do just to keep up with the Joneses. Points are crucial.”

Mitchell is also acutely aware of last season when Waterloo were the whipping boys and Stour, desperate for points, went to Blundellsands in March and lost 10-5. Stour are hoping to have Coventry wing Kurt Johnson in the squad to boost firepower.