On a windy day, more resembling the time of year than previous weeks, Dixonians recorded their 4^th straight win against a good Stourbridge side. Stourbridge started right from the kick off, obviously eager to improve on their frustrating start to the season, and with Dixonians struggling to match their intensity they began to dominate. The scrum was again being put under huge pressure which starved the backs of good 1^st phase ball and a few poor decisions led to Stourbridge getting the first try of the afternoon. After some strong words under the posts, Dixonians began to put some phases together, which resulted in Stourbridge conceding the 1^st of many penalties. Unfortunately Robbie Holden was unable to take advantage but was kindly presented with another opportunity a few minutes later which he duly converted to make the score 5-3. This kick started a good period for Dixonians which resulted in a try. Following some good phases in the Stourbridge half the ball was moved wide to Welsh wannabe Adam Seymour, who made a break which took everyone by surprise. He then offloaded to the man who seems to make an art form from hanging out on the wing, Paul Rotheram who popped it to Robbie who retuned the ball to Seymour to score in the corner. Peter ‘Scouse’ Madden, who has dropped down the top try list, was vocal in his distaste of Seymour scoring on his wing and reportedly later nicked Seymour’s car as pay back. Dixonians were then able to extend their lead a few minutes later with Robbie Holden kicking a penalty following a Stourbridge player being sin binned for a trip. It was then the turn of Stourbridge to step up their intensity and due to some weak tackling by Dixonians they were able to touch down for the second time, which was converted. The half ended with Dixonians defending their line with only a combination of poor finishing from Stourbridge and good turn overs from Seymour and the back row preventing further scores.

Half time score – Dixonians 11 v Stourbridge 12

It was now time for Dixonians to prove how far they had come this season and whether they are serious contenders for promotion. With the wind now behind them and a change in the front row providing some much needed stability in the scrum, Dixonians started show what they were about. An early penalty handed them the lead that they would never relinquish. With the scrum now providing a good platform and the pack starting to put together some good phases, the backs were able to exploit the space. A good move out wide by the two of the more vertically challenged members of the team, Madden and Jon Shankland, resulted in Shankland beating his man and running under the posts. Dixonians were now camped down in Stourbridge territory and only a few misplaced passes and a dodgy decision by the Ref (much to the annoyance of the author of this report) thwarted Dixonians putting the result beyond doubt. However following a great scrum on the Stourbridge 5m line, Michael Lynch put pressure on the scrum half who threw the ball right into the arms of scrum half Tim ‘I look like and drink as well as a 12 year old’ Hodson. Due to his complete lack of pace he was nearly caught by the Stourbridge prop but just managed to sneak over. This was converted by Robbie who added a penalty to make the game safe. Dixonians now felt they had enough of a lead to bring on the walking liability, Wisey, who had taken a particular dislike to the opposition fly half for no other reason other than he like to side step a bit like Wisey. In the final few minutes, a good move by the backs resulted in a two on one which Wisey finished off in the corner and provoked wild celebrations between himself and Madden (no one else was really that fussed). The half came to an end without Stourbridge making any real challenge to the Dixonians line for the whole 40 minutes.

Full time Dixonians 36 v Stourbridge 12

The Man of the Match was awarded to Adam Seymour, following an epic display in the loose. The Dick of the Day award was shared between Robbie (because he had ‘dropped’ a ball over the line) and Shankland (just simply for being Shankland). This was a great win for Dixonians and sets a marker for how far this side can go.

Next week they travel to Willenhall, who will be keen to prove a point having struggled in the league so far. Saturday will also be the first social of the year with the team partaking in the Harborne run (although the more unfit/older members may elect for a slow walk or taxi). Hopefully see you at both!