Crucial run will test Stratford RFC's mettle, says skipper Dan Kirby
“THESE are the kind of games you want to be involved in.” Those are the words of skipper Dan Kirby ahead of Stratford’s crucial block of fixtures before the festive break.
The Black and Whites, who have won their last five Midlands One West fixtures – and seven of their last eight – are one of six teams that are well in the mix for promotion this season, with seven points separating leaders Ludlow and sixth-placed Hereford.
The Pearcecroft men currently sit fifth in the table and their next block of fixtures in the run-up to Christmas begins with a trip to Hereford on Saturday. Stratford are then at home to third-placed Malvern on 3rd December followed by trips to Old Halesonians (2nd) and Worcester (7th) on 10th and 17th December respectively.
Confidence is certainly sky-high among the Stratford ranks right now and, fresh from the week off, Kirby told the Herald the players know how crucial this block of fixtures is if they want to show their credentials as title challengers this season.
“Arguably this is our toughest run of games and it will test our mettle,” he said. “We recognise in this league that wins away from home are hard to come by, so to go away three times in the space of four weeks is a tough ask.
“However, these are the kinds of games you want to be involved in as a player and the squad is getting stronger.
"Competition is starting to hot up and while we’re still a relatively small squad, we’ve got that mentality that we want to achieve something and the only way to do that is to beat the sides around you.
“We’re currently fifth in the table and over the next four weeks we’re playing two teams above us and two teams below us, so it’s going to be a defining time.
"It’s also going to be very physical so it’s important we stay fit and injury-free during that time.”
He added: “However, we start with Hereford first and we’ll take each game as it comes. Hereford is a tough place to go to. They are a gritty side and hard to break down.
“It’s important we prepare well because it’s going to be a proper contest and if we do prepare properly then the result will take care of itself.”
Kirby himself is glad to be back in time for the Christmas run-in after missing eight games with a broken thumb that was sustained on the opening day of the season.
Having spent time with the Legends and then the second XV to regain his match fitness, Kirby returned to the first team with an appearance off the bench in the 29-19 victory over Evesham on 12th November.
“It was a little bit frustrating that the injury took longer to repair than I would have liked but I’m really pleased to be back,” he told the Herald.
“When it comes to the nip and tuck and the horrible winter time when conditions worsen, those are the Saturdays I look forward to the most, whereas some of the quicker lads love the sunshine in April.
"Playing in the December rain is something I relish and I’m looking forward to this tough run-in and helping the team pick up some much-needed wins.”
