New-look pack for Saxons' trip

A new-look pack will be unveiled when Stourbridge Saxons head north to Sedgley Park on Saturday as boss Neil Mitchell comes to terms with injuries to key players.

The director of rugby was left counting the cost of last week's 33-8 defeat at the hands of National One leaders Barking and the timing could not have come at a worse time with the chance to claim maximum points against Sedgley and Cinderford – two clubs below the Saxons in the table.

Captain Ben Hughes picked up an injury late in the first half at the weekend and is unlikely to make the trip while prop Will Davis popped a rib during the Barking game.

With Adam Sturdy still a few weeks away from his return following knee surgery, Mitchell will be forced to shuffle the pack.

He said: "Will Davis could be out for four or five weeks. To have both Will and Hughsey out will be a big loss for us at Sedgley Park."

While Saturday's defeat ended a run of four straight wins for the Saxons, Mitchell was able to take some positives from the game.

He said: "We have come across a lot of teams that have tired near the end, the sheer physicality of the Barking side took them through.

"There was a great fightback from us at the end showing true spirit, but they were a stone a man heavier and the physics don't work.

"But at least they had to go around us to score a try, they didn't go through us. I don't think the score reflected the game, 18-6 would have been a fair score.

"We wanted to measure ourselves against the league leaders and we've done that.

"They were the better side on the day, but I don't think 33-8 was a true reflection."