STOURBRIDGE must do without prolific centre Charlie Hayter when they make the testing trip to Cinderford tomorrow.

The young midfielder, who scored three tries in last Saturday’s victory over Sedgley Park, requires surgery on a shoulder injury that has dogged him for several weeks.

And that leaves director of rugby Neil Mitchell flicking through his options as he prepares a team to face one of the form sides in National One.

Cinderford inflicted a rare home defeat on Tynedale last weekend and will be even more formidable on their own patch.

And Mitchell admits he would much rather be taking on The Foresters with keystone Hayter in his side.

“He has been very influential for us this season,” he said. “He has scored 16 tries and had he not been playing for us I do not think there is any doubt we would really be in a relegation battle.”

Stourbridge could end any lingering concerns this weekend. They need two points – or for Redruth to lose at Coventry – to be sure of their level three status.

“We have got to keep an eye on the gap,” Mitchell said.

“We can’t take anything for granted until we are mathematically safe.”