Caldy 13 Stourbridge 28 (From Dudley News)

Caldy 13 Stourbridge 28

2:41pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in Stourbridge RFC

DREW Harper scored a hat-trick as Stourbridge maintained their perfect start to the season.

His treble and a well-taken score for wing Sam Baker ensured the bonus point was secured before half-time but the second half was a scrappy affair.

The Saxons went behind for the first time this season thanks to a monster penalty for the hosts but Caolan Ryan levelled almost immediately, after a Caldy player was sin-binned for a high tackle.

Harper then notched his first try when he touched down after a long range catch and drive and though the hosts then kicked a penalty, Harper was again celebrating soon after, this time after driving over a scrum.

Baker blasted through the defensive line to notch try number three following excellent work from Will Hurrell.

Harper’s hat-trick try ensured the visitors headed into the break with a 25-6 lead.

Caldy made several forays into Saxons territory during the early stages of the second period and they were rewarded with a converted try to cut the deficit.

Nick Adams and the home side’s flanker both saw yellow before Ryan kicked a penalty to restore Stour’s three score advantage James Rodley was then sent off for punching, leaving the visitors a man down for the rest of the game but they comfortably held on.

Speaking afterwards, performance coach Mike Umaga said: “That's another five points secured on the road, it wasn't pretty but job done we'll take it.

“Caldy is a tough place to come and get a result, there are others to follow where it will be harder still, today's experience will banish any illusions that all we have to do is just turn up in order to win."