Neil Mitchell’s call for Saxons derby
Wednesday 22nd December 2010, 8:00AM GMT.
Stourbridge Saxons chief Neil Mitchell is calling on sports fans across the region to help cheer his side to victory in their Midlands derby clash with Coventry on Boxing Day.
Victory could hoist the Stourton Park outfit into the top four in National One and their director of rugby is hoping the crowd will help them round off 2010 in style.
He said: “Traditionally we have attracted big crowds for our Boxing Day fixtures and I’m hoping this year will see a big turnout for what should be a thrilling match.
“We lost at Coventry at the start of the season but we have come a long way since then and our wins against Rosslyn Park, Blackheath and Cambridge are a testament to that.
“We know exactly what Coventry will bring to us while we have improved in every game we have played and have turned into a very cohesive side.
“Having a big crowd down here will give us a huge boost and it should make for an excellent atmosphere, with many people who don’t normally watch rugby coming along to savour the occasion and enjoy the hospitality.”
Stourbridge were 27-23 winners at title hopefuls Cambridge in their last game and Mitchell is set to keep faith in the side that grabbed that thrilling victory.
That will mean Will Davis maintaining his place in the front row, just four weeks after suffering a rib injury in the match against Barking.
Mitchell said: “That is the benefit of having a squad of young, fit players to call on.
“It means we will be able to keep faith in the side that did so well at Cambridge.”
With a blanket of snow currently covering the Stourton Park pitch, training has been limited and means Adam Sturdy’s return to action will have to be put on hold until the New Year.
The front row underwent knee surgery in the summer but needs further sessions on the training field before making his Saxons return.
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