Stourbridge 25, Huddersfield 19

STOUR stopped the rot of three straight defeats but made really hard work of beating bottom side Huddersfield, writes Nick Pullen.

For long periods of the game, it looked as though an embarrassing defeat was on the cards, especially as Huddersfield led 16-7 at half time.

It wasn't until the last move of the match that Stour sealed victory thanks to an opportunist try from quick thinking scrum half Toby Handley.

Director of Rugby Neil Mitchell admitted in his programme notes that Stour's push for a play-off place was effectively over and this performance against Huddersfield proved the point.

More worryingly, the game was played in front of Stour's lowest crowd of the season by some margin.

If Mitchell was looking for a big response following their dismal display at Broadstreet last week, then he didn't really get it.

Huddersfield quickly took charge and went in front with a penalty from their inside centre Chris Bell.

They increased the lead following a sustained spell of pressure, pinning Stour close to their line with a series of pick up and drives before fly half Joel Hinchcliffe produced a deft kick ahead for second row Nick Rhodes to run through and touchdown by the posts for Bell to convert.

Bell missed another couple of shots at goal before Stour finally roused themselves. Flanker Joe Carpenter won turnover ball and released fly half Chris Scott, who in turn sent flanker Nigel Mukarati scampering over for a try with Scott kicking the extras.

However Stour failed to assert themselves as Huddersfield resumed control and capitalised on a succession of errors as Bell thumped over two more penalties to put Huddersfield 16-7 ahead at the break.

Stour finally stepped up a gear after the interval. A Scott penalty cut the deficit to 16-10 before they took the lead when setting up a mass driving maul from line-out play where Handley was trundled over to score and Scott converted.

Huddersfield immediately restored their lead with a fourth Bell penalty but Stour clawed the advantage back with another successful shot from Scott after the Yorkshiremen were penalised for offside.

Stour couldn't put the game to bed until the final moments. Huddersfield pressed for a late score when Stour stole possession as Handley kicked ahead and then ran over half the length of the pitch to plunge over for a try in the corner.

Scott missed the touchline conversion and referee Ben Davis blew for time - much to Stour's relief.

Stour: Petty; Bressington, Elvers, Otutaha, Trinham (Bridger 67); Scott, Handley; Sturdy (Thorp 55), Wilkes (Harding 55), George; Depper (Roddy 50), Hurrell; Mukarati, Carpenter (Rodley 50), Nicholls.

Referee: Ben Davis Attendance 170