Express & Star

Five-star Stourbridge come from behind

Stourbridge fought back from behind to register a five-try home victory over Chester in National Two North.

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The visitors were 12-0 up at half-time but, in the second period, Stour were far more clinical.

James Rodley touched down twice, while Joe Bridger, Ash Elvers and Josh Trinham got a try each, with William Brown restoring some pride for Chester late on.

Stour deserved their 36-17 win but their play-off hopes were dented as Sedgley Park's bonus-point victory at Sale put them 12 points ahead, having played a game less.

Although unlikely, it is still mathematically possible for Stour to claim second place as they prepare for a trip to Otley on Saturday.

In National Three Midlands, Old Halesonians are set to finish the season in third after a nail-biting 22-18 defeat against Longton.

It was a back-and-forth affair, with a moment of controversy in the second period.

One driving maul saw Owen Jones diving for what seemed like a definite try to take the lead, only to be disallowed by the referee declaring the ball held up. Soon after, Longton converted a penalty to seal victory.

Hales will hope to make amends in their penultimate league game of the season at Newport (Salop) this weekend.

Lichfield, who sit in 10th, lost 50-29 at Old Northamptonians and face Peterborough Lions next.

Walsall were again comprehensively beaten in Midlands One West, this time 63-12 by Bournville.

Their relegation has already been sealed, but they still have two fixtures left and the next is at league leaders Bridgnorth.

Dudley Kingswinford made it back-to-back wins with a 38-25 success at Leek.

Rob Chivers and Ben Connett were superb, and they have a chance to get their third victory in succession against Silhillians this weekend.

In Midlands Two West, a much-changed Kidderminster Carolians side slumped to a 30-10 defeat at Old Yardleians.

Matt Rigsby did get a try, which Chris Pinner converted, but an error-strewn first half proved to be the visitors' downfall. They play their last home game of the season against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Stourbridge Lions, who face Handsworth this weekend, were thrashed 48-8 by Camp Hill. Stafford beat Handsworth 36-13 and travel to Harborne.

Play-off contenders Wolverhampton prevailed 50-7 over Veseyans. Willenhall got the bragging rights as they won 18-9 against local rivals Wednesbury in Midlands Three West.

Wednesbury's survival hopes are hanging by a thread and they need a victory at Bloxwich to have any chance of remaining in the division, while Willenhall will be buoyant as they host Eccleshall.

Cannock and Burntwood were both defeated, but have a chance to bounce back against Newcastle (Staffs) and Tamworth respectively.

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