BULLISH boss Neil Mitchell reckons free-scoring Stourbridge should feel confident of defending their Stourton Park fortress against all comers this season.

Stour fought back from an early 10-point deficit in another attacking masterclass against Sheffield to register a third win in as many National Two North outings, writes Andy Mitchell.

And while Mitchell acknowledged his side needed to find a more resolute edge at the other end, he backed his well-oiled points machine to churn out another result against lowly Scunthorpe on Saturday (3pm).

"Scunthorpe are very strong in the scrum and like many sides in this league, represent something of an unknown quantity," he said.

"At this stage of the season, you don't know what you are up against. Leicester Lions were supposed to out-and-out favourites but got turned over at home to Luctonians.

"Scunthorpe's fly-half has been out for three weeks but they have him back and will come here with great expectations.

"By the same token, I don't see why any side should be beating us at Stourton Park if we keep playing the way we have been."

Left-wing Joe Bridger, number-eight Ciaran Moore and outside-centre Joe Heatley racked up the tries as Stour swiftly moved from 13-3 down to 22-13 ahead on Saturday.

Moore added another and a rare Rod Petty try gave the home crowd plenty to cheer before Heatley added the coup de grace in a 49-21 success.

"It was very much the same sequence as the week before. They scored 10 points then we decided to wake up," said Mitchell.

"Having scored just shy of 100 points in two matches against good sides, we are pleased with the way we are playing but defensively, we do need to tighten up.

"At this stage last season, our defence was one of the best in the league and while we have started well we need to address that.

"It was not a case of being breached in midfield, the problems came from out wide and we have started putting the work in to eradicate that this week.

"If we can keep chalking up the big scores and playing the rugby we have been, we will hopefully have a good season."

Stourbridge are likely to field a similar side this weekend with Mitchell keen to continue the momentum of their early-season exploits, something he sees as important with Leicester Lions, Sale and Sedgley Park forming part of a gruelling October agenda.

"There won't be a great deal of change," added Mitchell.

"We want to get ourselves in a position to attack some of the big tests we have coming in October with some momentum and boost our points difference while the ground is dry.

"The side has adapted well to the conditions and has plenty in reserve."