Stourbridge Saxons told to shape up

Stourbridge director of rugby Neil Mitchell has warned his misfiring side to sharpen up before Saturday's showdown with the Cornish All Blacks.

The Saxons have endured a poor start to their National One season, losing three out of their opening four games.

And, after going down 33-23 at Wharfedale last weekend, Mitchell knows it's time for his team to shape-up as they face the league's basement boys.

He said: "Our organisation was far better this week, but missed tackles and defensive mistakes cost us. The game was there for us, but we fell at the final hurdle.

"They closed the game out well, took advantage of the decisions and were mercenary in the final few minutes."

The Saxons chief could not hide his frustration at losing the game to three scores in the closing moments, having led with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

He said: "I have been here so many times over the years with different teams as a player and a coach.

"It was an even game and the scoreline at the end flattered them, it was the only time in the match there had been more than one score in it."

Mitchell believes the addition of Thinus Delport will eventually add more leadership and experience on the pitch, but the ex-Springbok won't be available until next month because of television commitments.

In the meantime, the Stourbridge DoR said the current squad must continue improving in order to meet the challenge of this week's visitors.

He said: "We were at 50 to 60 per cent last week and that has been going up each week.

"It was up to 65 to 70 per cent this week but we need to be at 90 per cent for Cornish All Blacks - we will need to take all our opportunities.

"They started with a 20-point deficit but beat Redruth comprehensively, which is never easy. That is a warning for us.

"Our past encounters with Launceston have always been high-scoring and sometimes controversial and I don't expect this will be any different."