Stratford look to send message out by securing double over Regional Two West Midlands leaders Old Halesonians
CAPTAIN Dan Kirby wants Stratford to send out a message to the rest of the league this weekend by securing the double over table-topping Old Halesonians.
The Black and Whites toppled the Regional Two West Midlands leaders 53-10 earlier in the season and Kirby believes there’s no reason why they can’t do the same in the reverse fixture on Saturday.
Although the Pearcecroft men lost 13-12 to Malvern last time out, there’s just 11 points separating Old Hales and sixth-placed Stratford.
One of the lessons learned from the defeat to Malvern is they must start being more clinical if they are to start winning tight games and Kirby admits Stratford are still searching for their first “80-minute performance”.
“We’re relishing the challenge and the opportunity on Saturday, and it’s a chance to send out a message to the rest of the league that we’re still in the mix,” Kirby told the Herald.
“If we can work on being more accurate and clinical in training this week and take that into the Old Hales game, we’ll show we can be a real force in this league.
“It’s just about making sure we put all the pieces of the jigsaw together and putting on an 80-minute performance, something which we’ve not done so far this season.
“When that complete performance arrives it will be an exciting day that’s for sure.”
With two more fixtures before the Christmas break, Kirby has also urged Stratford to start getting more points on the board to remain in touch with those at the top.
“If you look at the league right now it shows anyone can beat anyone,” he said.
“Ludlow were flying high and they’ve lost a few on the bounce. Hereford beat us the previous week and then they had 41 points put past them at Whitchurch at the weekend.
“The great thing about this division is it’s really competitive and I don’t think there will be a team that runs away with things. However, it’s important for our own aspirations that we get more points on the board before the Christmas break.
“If we go to Old Hales and turn it on we are capable of bringing home the points, so it’s important we approach the game with positivity.”
