Rallying call for Stourbridge Saxons

It is only a matter of time before Stourbridge Saxons start firing on full cylinders.

That's the message from vice-captain Rupert Cooper, who insists the Stourton Park side were never going to be overnight sensations after a summer of rebuilding.

The Saxons play host to the Cornish All Blacks on Saturday, looking to improve on just one win from their opening four games.

But back row Cooper insists the team are heading in the right direction.

He said: "The spirit is good but we have 12 new faces this season, it does take time to bond and gel as a team on and off the pitch.

"The season so far has been massively frustrating, we have deserved more out of the games than we have got. We are playing well, we are doing the right things but not consistently enough.

"We have to do exactly the same things we are doing well, but continue them for 80 minutes."

Stourbridge went down 33-23 at Wharfedale on Saturday but Cooper insists there is an excellent spirit in the camp.

He said: "We put Wharfedale under a lot of pressure but haven't been able to finish them off.

"We acquitted ourselves well in the first phase but a couple of key decisions went their way.

"Our links with Worcester Warriors are also helping us – we are learning to be far more professional in our habits and that is down to them.

"But it is certainly a two-way thing that seems to be working for both clubs. We have some of them with us but some of our lads are also benefiting from training down at Sixways.

"We also have Thinus Delport coaching the first team and his input can only benefit us. He knows how to control a game and how to win one.

"He's done it in the Currie Cup, the Super 14 and the Tri-Nations."