Neil Mitchell blasts Saxons' display

Director of rugby Neil Mitchell has labelled Stourbridge Saxons' performance against Blaydon as unacceptable.

The National One side's boss was left fuming by his team's efforts last Saturday, particularly in the second-half when they were outscored by three tries to none.

Saxons went down 31-10 in the North-East after a lengthy break due to the wintry conditions. Saturday's game had also been in doubt until the match was switched to Percy Park in Tynemouth.

Mitchell said: "There are no excuses, we had all the components but didn't make it work. They have had a lengthier break than us, but one or two of our players are beginning to believe their own press.

"It was not well officiated but if you have opportunities at this level and you don't take them you will pay.

"I don't think the scrum was particularly well marshalled, but it was the same for both sides and they just got on with it."

The defeat was particularly hard for Mitchell to stomach, as he was returning to the area where he grew up and the club he played for as a Colt.

He said: "This is my area and a lot of people came to see us play today."

Mitchell admitted it was proving a tough week for his underperforming players, with a full post-mortem of the loss and places for this Saturday's home match against Wharfedale up for grabs.

He said: "When we watched the DVD of the game it was a horror show. We have some tough sides coming up and we cannot make mistakes like we did today.

"We cannot afford another performance like the one we put in against Blaydon – a performance that was unacceptable.

"If we are able to make changes – and that depends on the injury situation – then there will be changes for Wharfedale."

Shaun Ruwers came into the side at tight-head prop and Mitchell must decide whether to stay with the former Worcester and Rotherham front row, or include Tim Pickard who missed out due to a wedding.

Scrum-half Tom Richardson also missed the trip to the North East but should be available again for the Wharfedale match.