Heaney stays calm as Stour hit the top
SUPER Stourbridge pulled off a prized victory over top-ofthe-table Sedgley Park after scrumhalf Michael Heaney slotted over a pressure penalty with the last kick of the game.
Heaney’s heroics enabled Stour to extend their winning streak to nine games and take over top spot in the process following a pulsating contest at Stourton Park.
Stour also inflicted on Park their first defeat this term to underline their title credentials in a contest that proved a credit to National League Two.
It was Park who struck first in the sixth minute when some slick handling sent Sam Lowthion sprinting over for Steve Collins to convert.
Stour struck back immediately when Nigel Mukarati was shunted over from a catch-and-drive lineout move for Heaney to convert and level at 7-7.
A second Stour try soon followed when their superiority in the scrum told when quick ball was shipped out to Arthur Morgan, who stormed through Park’s defence
score by the posts for Heney to add the extras.
Morgan then instantly blotted his copybook by receiving a yellow and Park were quick to take advantage when Matt Gallagher capitalised on a line-out ball to score and cut the score to 14-12.
Stour responded when a well-won line-out ball was flung out wide to speed merchant Dan Rundle, who outpaced Park’s cover to score wide out, with Heaney converting.
But Park pulled back the leeway when winger Jamie Harrison made the most of some precious scrummage ball to score.
Stour closed the half with Heaney kicking a penalty. The Stourton-based side then appeared to be getting away when Jack Lea stampeded over after 44 minutes to go 29-17 in front.
Park refused to lie down and tries from Tom Ailes followed by another driving-maul move with Mark Goodman getting the vital touch to put Park ahead in 71st minute after Collins had converted both scores.
Stour didn’t help their cause with a second yellow after 75 minutes for Finlay Thomas-Theobald.
Stour applied late pressure, yet it appeared their chance of victory had deserted them, with Heaney kicking wide with a long-range penalty chance after 76 minutes.
All was not lost as the former Worcester Warrior was given a second chance with literally seconds remaining and this time held his nerve.
Stourbridge director of rugby Neil Mitchell said: We dominated at the set-piece, although I was disappointed we didn’t capitalise on our 12-point lead, which allowed them to put the pressure on.”
Park coach Jonny Rodham added: “Stourbridge brought to the game what we thought they would as their scrum is a real weapon. If anything, this performance will make us even stronger.”