Young fly-half faces Stour test
Silky-skilled fly-half Sam Robinson has a big game ahead of him on Saturday – if selected.
Silky-skilled fly-half Sam Robinson has a big game ahead of him on Saturday – if selected.
The 21-year-old won over sections of the travelling Stour faithful with two moments of brilliance at Otley – but the person who matters most was left disappointed with his performance and made known his displeasure by dropping the talented ten for the defeat at Redruth.
Mitchell now admits that his bold decision to play Australian Rod Petty did not come off – but unlike large sections of the crowd at Otley, who appreciated Robinson's moments of magic, Mitchell was decidedly unmoved by his fly-half's contribution.
None of his players will be allowed to live in their comfort zone.
He said: "Yes, I was disappointed with his performance against Otley.
"He did some great things but my expectations of Sam are very high because he is an extremely talented player.
"He was fantastic for us last season, defensively as well, and I do not want him playing in his comfort zone.
"I went with Rod Petty, who has been excellent for us all season, against Redruth and it did not come off. That does not mean that he will not feature against Manchester.
"But it is fair to say the fly-half situation is going to need some serious consideration for Saturday."
Selection quandaries are not exclusive to the back line, either.
Loose head prop Carl Taylor earned the praise of Mitchell for his efforts in filling a void in the front row but the yougster could make way for Adam Sturdy, back from injury, with the return of fellow front row Chris Rowlands also on the cards.
Mitchell said: "We needed to be more competitive in the front row on Saturday. I have no doubt that, with experience, Tank (Taylor) will develop into a fine player but he needs time to learn his trade.
"He took on the England Counties front row on Saturday, which was tough for him - but shows how far he has come in such a short space of time from Colts rugby."
One star front-rower who will not be playing for Stourbridge agains this season - or possibly ever - is veteran prop Adrian Olver, who is currently considering retiring from the game.
A compressed bone in his neck has not healed as expected and the former England A and Worcester star has been told that he needs an operation.
Mitchell said: "Olver is probably finished. Obviously I want Stour to be as strong as possible and he is a great player who would play if fit but, at 37 or 38, I am not sure whether it is worth him risking his health for one, maybe two more seasons.
"And I have told him that. He is definitely out for the remainder of this season. It is his call but I do not think it would be the logical thing for him to do."
