STOURBRIDGE Rugby’s under-13s put in a perfect tournament performance to claim the prestigious North Midlands Cup.

A 15 – 0 win over Shropshire’s Newport in the final sealed victory in front of a home crowd at Stourton Park for the age group’s big season finale.

Stourbridge RFC director of rugby, Neil Mitchell, was on hand to watch the boys, who won every game in a hard-fought tournament which featured teams from top clubs including Worcester.

After a season when Stourbridge’s senior first XV fell short of expectations Mitchell was quick to pay tribute to the club’s next generation.

He said: “I was really impressed by the standard of rugby across the board. To get a good group of guys who play well together is brilliant and it bodes well for the future of this club.

“It has been a hard year in the first team but to able to come down here and see this is great - it’s been one of the few high points of my year.

“You can see the potential in at least half a dozen of the players in that age group and if they do the right things they are going to be playing first team rugby in a few years.”

During the tournament, on April 19, Stourbridge scored more tries and conceded fewer points than any other team to bring the U13 cup to Stourton Park for the first time in a decade.

Under-13’s lead coach, Richard Walker, said: “I am really pleased with how well they played, they exceeded all of our expectations.

“There were some really good sides here today, Newport played some fantastic rugby and really put some pressure on us.

“We’ve got a great bunch of boys, they play some fantastic rugby and are really committed. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”