Rugby round-up: Unstoppable Willenhall extend perfect start
Willenhall continued their rampant and unbeaten start to the season with another dominant performance, easing to a a 41-15 victory over Stafford.
They remain top of the Counties Two Midlands West, having won all nine of their matches, opening up an eight-point lead.
Two tries apiece from Jordan Blackham and Sam Bowles set the platform for their latest triumph, with further scores from Jack Louca, Oliver Deeming and Sam Coyne completing the seven-try haul.
Stafford trailed only 12-5 at the break, but Willenhall’s ruthlessness after the restart proved decisive. A long, spiralling kick immediately after kick-off caught Stafford off guard, giving the hosts instant territory where they ground out another try to pull away.
In the Regional One Midlands, Stourbridge came from behind twice to defeat local rivals Dudley Kingswinford 26-20.
Dudley struck first through a James Ryan try in the 27th minute, but Jack Teague crossed soon after to level the contest. A Joseph Dunn penalty nudged Dudley ahead 10-7 at half-time, yet second-half tries from Ryan Wainwright and Mark Harrison turned the game in Stourbridge's favour.
Dudley responded with a penalty try and another score from Dunn to reclaim the lead, but Stourbridge had the final say as Fin Hayward crossed late to seal a derby win. Stourbridge sit third on 40 points, while Dudley Kingswinford remain 11th.
Meanwhile, Lichfield collected their third consecutive victory with a 23-16 win over Newent, lifting them to sixth place on 36 points.
In the Regional Two Midlands North, Walsall delivered another high-scoring display as they swept aside Matlock 53-12. Ben Pitt crossed twice, with further tries from Rhys Jones, Dan Carpenter, Dean Ainger, Toby Smith, George Hill, Max Hughes and Luke Chambers securing the result. The win consolidates Walsall's grip on third place.
In Regional Two Midlands West, bottom-side Old Halesonians suffered a heavy 45-5 defeat to Moseley Oak.
In the Counties One Midlands West (North), Burntwood were edged out 19-12 by Spartans, while in the Midlands West (South) section, Kidderminster endured a difficult afternoon in a 75-0 loss to Ledbury.
In the Counties Three Midlands West (North), leaders Eccleshall claimed a thrilling 35-26 derby win over Stone to secure their third straight victory and preserve their unbeaten home record.
Despite heavy underfoot conditions and pressure from a determined Stone side, Eccleshall held their nerve and their defensive line to close out the match for the win.
Second-bottom Cannock were beaten 49-0 by St Leonards, who climbed to ninth with their third win of the season.
Elsewhere, in the Counties Three Midlands West (South) Walsall edged Edwardians II 26-22 and Warley thrashed Old Yardleians 55-7, while Handsworth defeated Bedworth 27-26 in the Midlands West (East).
In the Counties Four Midlands West (North), Burntwood II beat Trentham II 27-17 and Essington defeated Telford Hornets II 27-10. In the Midlands West (South), Stourbridge III beat Old Halesonians II 31-16.
