STOURBRIDGE closed the gap on National League Two North leaders Darlington Mowden Park to just three points following a splendid 31-7 success over Sheffield Tigers.

The squall that blew into Stourton Park just before kick-off made playing conditions treacherous to say the least, but both sides managed to string handling movements together.

Although Sheffield enjoyed superiority in the line-out, Stour completely bossed the scrums and mauls, giving their three-quarters a wealth of front-foot ball to work with.

Outside-centre Stefan Shillingford squeezed his way over in the corner for the opening try after nine minutes before Sam Robinson doubled the advantage with Jamie Hearn converting.

With Sheffield being shoved backwards at every scrum, their attacking options dried up and Stour added a third try just before half-time, flanker Nigel Mukarati latching onto the back of a driving maul to emerge with the ball.

Leading 17-0 at the break, Stour were then awarded a penalty try after Sheffield infringed as they were being pushed back over their own try line with Hearn kicking the extras.

A fifth Stour try followed, Mukarati producing an almost carbon copy of his opening try when scoring from a short range maul.

Sheffield, who arrived at Stourton with a recent win over Sedgley Park, belied their lowly position and fully deserved a late consolation try from a rolling maul.