Saxons boosted by prop's return

Stourbridge Saxons' director of rugby Neil Mitchell is confident about the rest of the season after the recent return from France of tight-head prop Andi Lawrence.

Last Saturday's futile journey to Launceston, to witness the Polson Bridge pitch stubbornly refuse to thaw, means the Saxons now face the challenging prospect of playing National One fixtures on 15 consecutive Saturdays.

But with his squad now supplemented by the giant former Bee, British and Irish Cup calls from Worcester nearing an end, and several injured players close to fitness, Mitchell is far from daunted by the prospect.

He said: "Andi's return is great news for us, he carries the ball really well, and improved hugely as a scummaging tighthead last season, after swapping from the loose-head.

"As well as Andi, we have Tim Pickard, Will Davis, Adam Sturdy and Joe Baker all competing for front row spots."

"This means we now have plenty of front row resources, a resilience which I imagine will prove vital during what will be a pretty remorseless run of games."

Looking ahead to next week's home game with Blackheath, Mitchell is wary of the visitors.

He said: "We are planning a really physical contact session with Moseley on their all-weather pitch on Tuesday, which having missed a game today, will really help get us ready for Saturday.

"Blackheath will come on a revenge mission after our superb win down there in October, and they always base their game around a very strong front row.

"But with Andi back, we have no fears whatsoever on that score, and will at least match them in the tight.

"Charlie Hayter and Tom Richardson will both be fit to face Blackheath, and fly half Cameron Brown may also return.

"We are expecting James Freeman back from Worcester, as their British & Irish Cup campaign takes a break,.

"We will also have a look midweek and see who else Richard Hill might make available to us."