Alex Rovira could start for Saxons

Exciting Aussie import Alex Rovira could be handed a place in the starting line-up when Stourbridge Saxons head for Coventry in Saturday's National One derby.

And Rovira could be joined in the back row by Stourton Park favourite James Rodley, who is now back in the frame after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Rovira came off the bench early in the second half of Saturday's clash with Macclesfield, a 49-31 defeat for Saxons, and impressed director of rugby Neil Mitchell.

Mitchell said: "He was certainly one of the highlights. He's a strong lad, dangerous around the scrum, and one of those who caught the eye."

Evergreen Jim Jenner is likely to keep his place following another solid display and Mitchell admits he has his work cut out as he tries to keep his players involved.

He said: "The positive thing this year is that I have 35 players in the squad and the reality is that any player can be replaced by their equal – we have so many good players at the club.

"We have players of class and ability in abundance. The most difficult part of my job is to keep everyone happy, particularly those who are not involved.

"They will have looked at our first two games and be expecting their chance. There were 10 lads lined up like a jury watching the game against Macclesfield.

"We need to learn how to keep the ball. If we can do that then we will produce some good rugby with the talent we have here."

The Saxons ran in four tries against Macclesfield through full-back Matt Williams, hooker Liam Wordley, lock Ben Hughes and winger Nathan Bressington.

Mark Woodrow completed the scoring with two early penalties, a conversion and a long-range drop goal.

But it was Bressington's try in the second-half that brought the biggest cheer from the Stourton Park supporters.

The speedster charged 70 metres upfield, surging and jinking through three tackles on his way to the line.

Mitchell said: "It was an excellent try but I will be expecting to see Nathan score more of those this season. And we also need to make turn Stourton Park into a fortress.

"It's something we should be able to do with the experience we have – the likes of Jim Jenner, Robbie Hurrell, Mark Woodrow, Ben Hughes and Liam Wordley.

"We have winners in the side."