Props battle it out for Saxons place

Props Tim Pickard and James Currie are set to battle it out for a place in the starting line-up when Stourbridge Saxons take on Blackheath at Stourton Park on Saturday.

Loose head Pickard impressed on his first start of the season at Bees on Saturday, fronting up to the Birmingham side's powerful Tongan tighthead Ngalu Tau.

And such a showing was vital, with director of rugby Neil Mitchell facing something of a selection headache surrounding his front row options this season.

Currie has impressed playing for Worcester A, Mike Hill has also looked good and the experienced Adam Sturdy is virtually back to full fitness, after spending a year on the sidelines following knee surgery.

That has prompted the departure of Will Davis by mutual consent, allowing the former Worcester youngster to find a club closer to his Bristol home.

Mitchell said: "We are fortunate to have strength in depth this season. Pickard was given his chance at Bees on Saturday and took it with both hands.

"And having Adam Study available again will be like signing a new player – he has so much experience at this level."

The Saxons bagged their first win of the campaign at the weekend, tries from back row Ben Sparks and winger Nathan Bressington helping secure a 19-16 victory, Mark Woodrow kicking the other points against his ex-club.

Mitchell said: "We showed little flashes of where we can be. We are nowhere near yet but Saturday's win was a start.

"We made some silly mistakes at Bees – people coming off their feet and giving away penalties at the breakdown – but we are not a million miles away, it's just that players are a little too keen.

"We have shown that we are not a side that is going to roll over but we need to build on what was a good win for the visit of Blackheath. They are a good side with some very good players.

"They have not gelled yet and we have to take advantage of the fact that we will be playing at fortress Stourton."

Mitchell called on the Saxons fans to play their part in lifting Stourbridge up the table.

He said: "We have had some excellent support over in Solihull – probably matching the Bees' support – and I'm hopeful they will return next week.

"It has been a difficult four weeks but we are starting to come good."

Blackheath lost their opening three games of the season, but have bounced back with wins at Cinderford and at home to Wharfedale on Saturday.