Stourbridge Saxons look to rebound

Stourbridge Saxons head to Redruth this weekend expected to come out with all guns blazing against their Cornish hosts.

The Stourton Park side slipped to a disappointing 11-0 defeat at home to Midlands rivals Cinderford and prop Adam Sturdy believes the players should need no other excuse for putting in a decent display in the West Country.

The Saxons front row powerhouse admitted there were a few 'unhappy' faces in the dressing room following Saturday's display.

Sturdy said: "The lads were extremely disappointed after their performance against Cinderford and there were many sad faces post match in the dressing room.

"The group of players we have got are collectively as talented and as fit as we have ever had and I would suggest our fundamental problem lies mentally.

"It's always frustrating when it's a local derby and you don't perform especially in a game where you are favourites to win. We could blame the conditions and a whole variety of issues but it was the same for both teams.

"We didn't step up to the mark on Saturday and I hope it's the last time we have to say that this season."

Redruth will pose a different kind of a problem for Stourbridge this weekend with the hosts notoriously putting teams under pressure at the Recreation Ground.

Sturdy added: "Redruth is always a tough place to go especially due to their geographical location which makes it very difficult for visiting teams.

"There is always a partisan crowd at Hellfire Corner and it's a massive ask for the lads to go down there and pull out a result. We must start well on as it's vital we don't give them a start.

"The lads need to stand up and be counted, so we have got to come out of the blocks all guns blazing."

Sturdy has yet to start a game this season after undergoing knee surgery last summer, but has his sights set on returning at the end of March and believes his absence this season may have worked to his advantage.

He said: "I'm not getting any younger and the rest I've had this season may have done my body the world of good.

"The pitches will firm towards the end of the season and that might work to my advantage as well.

"The return game away at Cinderford on April 16 looks a tasty encounter, which I would hope to be fit for."