Saxons skipper is looking forward

Stourbridge captain Ben Hughes is already looking forward to next season.

And with talented youngsters such as Peter White, Ashley Smith and Sam Baker gaining vital experience each week, who can blame him.

A run of just three wins in 11 games has heaped the pressure on the young Saxons but their skipper believes their pedigree will win through in the end.

He said: "When we play well there isn't a team who can defend against us. We may have lost against Coventry but we scored some good tries. It has been the same in other games.

"But there comes a time when you have to get a bit old school. Rugby is a simple game – a game of confrontation where you have to win your own bit and be prepared to fight.

"There were moments against Tynedale when they were fighting more than we were and that's been the case over the last few weeks."

The Saxons were outscored three tries to one at Tynedale, prop Billy Moss claiming a consolation score.

Hughes added: "As a captain, I try not to let the boys dwell on things but we know that we are on a poor run.

"There are just three or four points separating a number of clubs and every point is vital.

"A losing bonus point at Tynedale would have kept things ticking over but come away with nothing at such a vital time in the season is tough. It is a really difficult league this year and you have to work for every single point.

"A lot of these guys have come straight from academies and colleges and have not played at this level before. It is a different game and you have to get weathered into it.

"They are beginning to understand that it's not all about what's on the play-sheet."

The Saxons head to league leaders Barking next week anxious to get another win under their belts.

Hughes added: "We have a young, talented side and I'm sure we'll address this run because I know that we have the character in the side.

"We have a big game against Barking and that would be a good time to start putting things right against one of the best teams in the league.

"We have the ability and the structure at the club and things are looking good for the future."