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STOURBRIDGE head coach Neil Mitchell is calling for supporters to turn out in force on Saturday as his promotion pushing players host top-of-the-table Otley in what he believes is one of the biggest sporting events in the town's history.

Stourton Park will be the place to be as the National League Two high-fliers go head-to-head.

Mitchell believes the exciting encounter and the fact that Stour are in the hunt for a place in the second-tier of English rugby, should be more than enough reason to see supporters swarming into the ground.

He said: "There is no doubt this is the biggest game in the club's history and to have a club pushing for promotion to the second tier of English rugby must be one of the biggest sporting events in the town's history.

"It would be really great to have a big crowd down there, because a vocal prescence from the sidelines is a massive help and people should be under no illusions how vital they are to the team . You only have to look at the FA Cup to see the impact a big crowd and big atmosphere can have on sides."

With his side being hit by key injuries to his two recognised fly-halves, Sam Robinson and Dan Lavery, as well as centre Mark Eastwood, the head coach has no problems in throwing Rodd Petty in at No 10.

Mitchell added: "I have no qualms in putting Petty in at fly-half.

"He filled in theRE after Lavery's injury against Westcombe Park and did very well, so he will get the opportunity to impress against Otley this Saturday."

Stour defeated this Saturday's visitors in November 21-20 and Mitchell is expecting his side to face their toughest test of the season.

He said: "They are an excellent team that from one to 15 is packed with Division One experience.

"They have an interantional scrum-half in Simon Easterby and are top-of-the-table on merit, but we will go into the game with confidence that we have beaten them before."

10:05am Thursday 13th March 2008

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