Saxons lose lead in defeat to Flyde

Stourbridge Saxons 17 Fylde 40

Inspired by a fine display from human wrecking-ball Ben Barkley, Stourbridge found their best 40 minutes of the season to lead high-flying Fylde with an hour gone.

However, the visitors' powerful scrummage, wide experience and outstanding organisation eventually prevailed, as they scored 26 unanswered fourth quarter points, to claim a six-try win.

Fylde's come-from-behind triumph was assisted by an appalling sequence of Saxons' injuries.

These began with fly-half Sam Robinson's withdrawal in the pre-match warm up, after which no fewer than four of his team-mates limped off before the final whistle.

Stourbridge will hope this injury crisis abates, ahead of next week's crucial trip to neighbours Bees, where another improved display must surely bring a confidence-boosting win.

Fylde opened the scoring with a powerful close-range converted try from second row Gareth Rawlings, before Stourbridge fly-half Mark Woodrow responded with a 35-metre penalty.

However, the visitors' well-organised pack struck again before the end of the first quarter with another textbook converted score. Their driving lineout marched fully 20 metres, for flanker Rob Stewart to touch down.

Stourbridge kept their heads in the face of Fylde's powerful opening and, gradually, forced their way into the match.

With Barkley and Liam Wordley at the helm, they seized control, scoring a converted try in each half to turn a 3-14 deficit into a four point advantage at the hour mark.

Flanker Joe Garner was driven over from a close-range lineout on 22 minutes, before Wordley claimed his fourth touchdown of the season ten minutes after the break.

Crucially for the eventual outcome, the Saxons failed to convert three further try-scoring opportunities.

Wordley spilled the ball over the line, Tomas Tanumi was caught by last-ditch scramble defence, and James Currie failed to release his support with the posts gaping.

Nonetheless, it required Fylde's shift to a wider approach, allied to injuries to Alex Rovira and Ben Barkley, to finally determine the outcome of the match, as a devastating 15 minute, four-try burst gave the final scoreline a lop-sided look.

Winger Ollie Brennand beat Williams to Nick Royle's chip, centre Mike Waywell crashed over under the posts and replacement prop Pete Altham barged over from close range.

Chris Briers touched down Collins' sublime delayed pass, to register the visitors' fourth consecutive bonus point win.