Mitch: Bromsgrove just another game (From Dudley News)

Mitch: Bromsgrove just another game

2:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Stourbridge RFC

NEIL Mitchell says Stourbridge RFC will treat Saturday’s derby clash at Bromsgrove as just another game.

The league-leaders travel to Finstall Park looking to maintain their perfect record in National Two North.

They will meet a Boars side who have turned their home into something of a fortress over the past 18 months and while Stour’s director of rugby is expecting a stern test, he says most of his players remain ambivalent to any rivalry.

He said: “For the supporters these are big, emotional occasions but for the players it is just another game of rugby.

“A lot of our guys are not from round here so the local aspect means a bit less.

“Certainly I would say in the next few weeks we are taking a step up in terms of strength of opponent.

“But I think most of the players are ready.

“Had we faced these games a few weeks ago I would not have been so sure but I feel we are far more settled now.”

Stour ran in 10 tries as they demolished Stockport at Stourton Park 65-24 last weekend.

But Mitchell admitted some frustration at the number of points conceded, which was more than in the Saxons’ first three games put together.

He said: “To concede that many was a bit of a blow.

“Having watched the game back, we probably missed out on 20 points or so in the opening few minutes.

“Part of the problem is we are getting ahead of ourselves and looking ahead too far in the phases, further than you normally would.

“That is making us vulnerable on the counter attack.

“It might seem strange to say after a win but you have to be this way in order to stay sharp and focused.”

The Saxons go into the game with a full strength side and Mitchell could not help noticing the contrast so far with last term’s injury ravaged campaign.

He added: “It’s just sod’s law really.

“It seemed like every week last year I would be working till late on Friday trying to plaster a side together.”