Saxons strength is in 'the three Ps'

Stourbridge Saxons flanker James Rodley has revealed how the use of a little pneumonic - known as the three Ps - has helped the side turn around.

The flanker scored a try in a Man of the Match performance on Saturday, helping Stourbridge overturn an 18-point half-time deficit to record a 23-32 victory at Rosslyn Park in National League One.

Rodley said: "We had a few words at half-time and reminded ourselves of the three Ps that we've been saying in the run-up to the match – Performance, Patience and Physicality.

"We said if we applied those we could get back into the game."

"It was tough to play in, they were strong in the forwards, strong in defence and attack and we had to battle hard."

Stourbridge trailed 23-5 at the interval but turned the game around after the break.

In addition to Rodley's try, there were scores for Tom Richardson, Jamie Hearn and Thinus Delport with hooker Liam Wordley having already crossed the line in the opening period.

The introduction of ex-Springbok Delport at full-back and Luke Cozens at fly-half certainly proved a key moment.

The pair sent the home side repeatedly backwards with a series of huge kicks that were aided by a strong wind. Cozens then kicked one monster penalty from the half-way line.

Rodley pinpointed the sight of those kicks sailing overhead and forcing the opposition pack backwards gave the Stourbridge forwards a "huge lift."

And the back-row forward also described the boost the side receive when they see a sportsman of Delport's calibre being introduced as an impact player.

The former England under-18 international said: "It is obviously very helpful, the experience he brings onto the pitch. He knows how to control a game and how to win one.

"He puts the ball into all the right places."

It has been a hectic few days for Rodley, who has been training full-time with Worcester Warriors as part of the tie-up between the clubs and was part of their A Team edged out 20-10 at Newcastle Falcons on Monday.

Saxons regular Charlie Hayter was also in the starting line-up along with back-row pair James Freeman and Matt Kvesic, who are registered with both Stourbridge and Worcester.

All four are expected to be back at Stourton Park on Saturday for the National One clash with Redruth.