STOURBRIDGE suffered their first defeat in four games as they were put to the sword by third-placed Fylde.

From the first whistle it was clear that the visitors were going to struggle as, despitethe wind advantage, Fylde were intent on running with the ball at every opportunity.

Their speedy backs and quick offloads were enough for three first half tries and maximum 21 points scored by Tom Carleton, Ben O’Ryan and Cameron Crampton, with conversions by Greg Smith.

In reply, Stour scored a well-worked try through Hal Riley when his trademark running line and strength were enough to see him crash his way over on the half hour mark.

Just two minutes into the second half, Stourbridge were down to 14 men after Joe Heatley’s high tackle and Fylde took advantage to add another 14 points with converted tries by Crampton and replacement Fergus Warr.

In the final 30 minutes, the hosts added a further four tries with all but one converted by Smith in very tricky wind conditions.

Stour could only respond with a neat try by James Seabrook who was on the shoulder of a Dan Rundle break.

Director of rugby Neil Mitchell will now face a challenge to get a full strength side out over the coming weeks after picking up more injuries at Fylde.

Key players Chad Thorne and Sam Montieri are still unavailable. Jack Lea travelled but couldn't only make the bench.

Stour were depleted further at Fylde when Reece Beddows pulled his hamstring with less than 15 minutes on the clock and Stef Thorpe again struggled with a foot injury.

In the second half, Llyr Griffiths came off with an ankle problem followed by the industrious Nick Cairns, who had to leave the pitch after a nasty knee injury.

Six out of their seven remaining fixtures are against higher placed sides, starting with this Saturday's visit of fourth-placed Huddersfield.