Saxons face a tough test at home

After starting the new campaign with three defeats, Stourbridge Saxons face another tough challenge this week when unbeaten Fylde visit Stourton Park.

The Blackpool-based club features former England legend Bill Beaumont amongst its alumni but it's his sons, back row forwards Sam and Josh, plus 2007 England World Cup coach Brian Ashton who provide Saxons' director of rugby Neil Mitchell and his team with their latest examination.

Mitchell is far from downhearted by Stourbridge's struggles – even with the team sitting bottom of National One on three points – but is far from happy with the mistakes his side is making.

He said: "Last week's game at Coventry was one of the most frustrating matches I have presided over during my time in charge. Our error count was enormous, due to poor execution of basic skills.

"Patience is the first word we write on the board every week; we need to play the phases, keep the ball and not force things. When we start trying to chase the game, we make simple mistakes.

"This was doubly frustrating last week as we were only seven points down at half time and, with the wind behind us in the second-half, we only needed to execute our skills.

"I counted seven clear chances to score in the second half, and we only took one. You would expect to convert three or four at least.

"It was just down to basic errors – simple things like giving and taking a pass, or suffering white line fever.

"At times, it was like watching the under 10s."

Looking ahead to Fylde, Mitchell anticipates a formidable challenge from last season's National Two North champions.

He said: "They are near the top of the table, and will be full of confidence after scoring six tries against Wharfedale last week. No doubt they will see us as easy pickings, after our three defeats.

"I haven't really looked at how they play, because at the moment there is very little point spending time on anything other than our own performance.

"We have several new players, and since everyone is still getting used to playing together, my selection should aim for continuity.

"But when you've lost three consecutive games, and shipped 110 points, it's very hard to resist the claims of 17 other players who are all saying 'pick me.'

"We have got to look forward – there are 27 games to go, so we are only on the nursery slopes as far as the season goes."