NEIL Mitchell is ready to break open Stourbridge RFC’s attacking shackles to re-ignite their title charge.

The Saxons director of rugby admits a change of approach may be responsible for the National League Two North leaders recent bad run, which has seen them lose two of their last four games including a 13-12 reverse at Otley earlier this month.

Stour had previously won their opening 18 games, picking up a bonus point in each and Mitchell is keen for his side to rediscover their ruthless streak ahead of this Saturday’s home game with Hull.

He said: “After we lost our first game of the season to Bromsgrove, the appeal of the bonus point win faded slightly.

“Myself and (head coach) Mike Umaga began concentrating on getting the win with anything which followed being, excuse the pun, a bonus.

“But I think unintentionally that shifted the emphasis to a different style of game which hasn’t suited us. We have sat back and let the opposition come at us.

“We’ve lacked direction, not knowing whether to kick for touch or for points. It’s had an adverse effect.

“I’m determined we now get back to being a five-point side, bullying the opposition and making them play on our terms. We need to get things back on track.”

Robbie Hurrell will again be missing for the Hull game through injury, though Richard Stott is back to full fitness.

The visitors arrive at Stourton Park having lost five of their last six and Mitchell believes the game has to be viewed as a “home banker.”

He said: “This is they type of game we must be winning.

“We will be going all out for the bonus point, it’s not a strategy based on risk but instead is a style which suits the players we have.

“I’ve been very encouraged by how physical our training has been since the Otley game.

“There are blips in every season and we have lost two of the last four, which for a team chasing promotion is not acceptable. But it’s where we go from here which will define the season.”