STOURBRIDGE tasted defeat when they failed to take their chances during a tough clash away to Sheffield Tigers.

The Stourton Park men drew first blood in wet and windy conditions with a Rickie Aley penalty after runs from powerhouse players Nigel Mukarati and Jack Lea.

Both sides then traded misplaced kicks with a Stour penalty failing to make touch and Tigers wind-assisted effort finding touch in goal.

However, the 22 metre drop out was knocked on and gathered by Tigers who sent the ball through several pairs of hands, finding inside centre Tom Hart who crashed over close to the posts. Marksman, Mark Ireland, made no mistake with the conversion and it was 7 – 3 with14 minutes on the clock.

Three minutes later Tigers were down to 14 players after second row Lee Orton was yellow carded for a high tackle on Sam Montieri.

Stour continued to test the host’s defence through a series direct driving mauls.

Joe Heatley added to territorial gains and the forwards dominated set pieces through scrum penalties and solid lineouts. However, the visitors failed to capitalize on their territorial and numerical advantage and the next points went to Tigers with five minutes remaining on the yellow card after a break from deep put Pete Swatkins in under the posts.

Again an easy kick by Mark Ireland added the extras and it was 14-3 with just 23 minutes gone.

Stourbridge continued to dominate territory and possession but failed to cross the whitewash and the score remained unchanged at half-time.

Stour registered the first score with a Jack Lea try on 56 minutes following a catch and drive move however Aley was unable to add the extras.

Straight from the kick off Tigers won a penalty which Ireland slotted home but Aley hit back with a penalty for Stour after a period of attacking play from the hosts.

Tigers Tighthead Ed Simmons crashed over on 70 minutes and Mark Ireland landed his fourth successful kick of the day to put a losing bonus point out of Stourbridge's grasp and make the final score 24-11.

Stourbridge will return to home ground for their match with Tynedale on Saturday.