Stourbridge are setting the pace despite slashing playing budget
AMONG teams battling at the top of National 2 North are Stourbridge – whose players have made an extra commitment this season.
The west Birmingham side are playing their ninth consecutive fourthtier campaign following National 1 relegation in 2012.
Stourbridge saw off Loughborough yesterday to remain the only team in National League rugby with a 100 per cent win rate – and now sit one point leaders Sedgley Park with a game in hand.
But director of rugby Neil Mitchell, taking charge for a 19th year, is not getting carried away just yet with most other title contenders yet to be played.
He told TRP: “Our modestly successful start to the season has been attributed to a really cohesive group of players and staff who are thoroughly enjoying their rugby.
“We have been fortunate to win some close games and take each week as it comes. But we haven’t played most of the teams that populate the top five in our league at the moment, so we will see how we go.”
While success has been easy to find on the pitch, tough decisions had to be made off it following the impact of Covid-19.
And Stourbridge, who have almost a full starting XV of try-scorers this campaign, helped achieve this with a special commitment.
Mitchell added: “Post pandemic, we have had to think carefully about future-proofing our club. As we emerged from the uncertainties that lay before us, in conjunction with a forward-thinking committee, we needed a root-and-branch streamlining of how we operate as a rugby club.
“Back in January, with no real clue to the end of lockdown, I approached the players. I asked them to be realistic about their expectations with regards to remuneration. To a man, they accepted that we had to significantly tighten our belts and, as a consequence, slashed our playing budget for the season.”
It has not affected their performances, with Stourbridge scoring 39 tries in seven games before heading to Loughborough.
“Our main priority is to ensure rugby is played at all levels we have within our structure but also ensure the longevity in terms of governance and finance should we be plunged into another lockdown scenario,” Mitchell said. “There is a real buzz within the ever growing mini and junior section.
“Stourbridge are in a good place going forward in uncertain times.”