Stratford suffer third successive defeat

STRATFORD slumped to a third successive defeat in Midlands 1 West as they were swept aside by title-chasing Bournville on Saturday.

After recent losses to Whitchurch and Wolverhampton, the Black and Whites were desperate to get their promotion challenge back on track with a victory at Pearcecroft.

But a ruthless Bournville proved too strong on the day, hitting back from 14-3 down to win 43-21.

“Sometimes you have to put your hand up and say the better team won,” said Stratford director of rugby, Tom Rance.

“Our performance in parts was excellent and what we would expect.

"But there were parts in which we dropped off and only put in an 80 per cent performance, so that’s not great.”

Stratford’s tries came courtesy of Nath Geekie, Jack Young and Andy Conway. Geekie converted all three scores.

Full report and reaction in next week's Herald.