A famous outpost stop for Saxons

Stourbridge Saxons travel to one of English rugby's most famous outposts on Saturday almost exactly 31 years on from a notable day.

In a match enshrined in rugby folklore, Graham Mourie's legendary All Blacks fell to a 21-9 defeat at Otley's Cross Green home, on a grey November Saturday in 1979.

The North of England's victorious side included past, present and future England captains Bill Beaumont, Steve Smith, Fran Cotton, Roger Uttley, Peter Dixon and Tony Neary.

It seems unlikely that Stourbridge skipper Ben Hughes will reprise Cotton's pre-match approach since, as motivational speeches go, "look at the big poofs dancing" is something of a one-off, even when confronted by the Haka.

Nonetheless, director of rugby Neil Mitchell's emotions are already stirring in anticipation of the contest, thanks to his team's last-gasp defeat in April's crucial relegation battle.

Otley's 42-34 triumph launched a four game winning run that rescued their National One status from a seemingly hopeless position.

However, the result left Mitchell's men staring into the abyss, before characterful performances against Newbury and Tynedale ensured they also hopped aboard the life raft.

Mitchell said: "That result last year could potentially have brought our relegation, so we owe them, and it's time for payback.

"I have done this job seven years and never felt as uncomfortable as after that game. We are playing well, both away and at home, so will travel with confidence.

"If we do a job up there and come away with the spoils, I think we could go really well this year."

Otley in 12th place face another tough campaign, their only wins to date are against the two Cornish teams currently rooted to the bottom of the table.

But the Saxons' prospects are much brighter thanks to four victories in their last five starts, including impressive road wins at Rosslyn Park and Blackheath.

Mitchell pronounced himself satisfied with last week's six try 36-16 win over Redruth, despite a brief wobble during the third quarter.

He said: "We intended to put them to bed immediately after half time, as they looked tired at the break, but against a battling Redruth side, we couldn't capitalise.

"The key point was that we kept our heads, snuffed out their threat, then finished really strongly.

"This young side doesn't know how to worry, it just gets on with the game and plays to the final whistle.

"It wasn't perfect, but we trusted our defence and ended up deserving winners."