DIRECTOR of rugby Neil Mitchell is pleased to get Stourbridge’s match preparations underway.

They began their pre-season warm-up programme against Moseley at Stourton Park last Friday and continue against Wharfedale this Saturday.

Stour lost the game but took the opportunity to field new summer additions and a host of players from the Lions.

“It was a tough game for the guys but also a good workout for us,” said Mitchell.

“There was a good crowd and it was a start to what we are trying to do.

“We are pleased with the attitude of the players and their fitness work is going well.

“We are a new squad that is getting to grips with a new system.

“I think we will learn a lot more from Saturday’s game against Wharfedale “Overall, the pre-season is going well. We are normally going all guns blazing at this stage and have maybe been guilty of neglecting some other areas.

“This time we are a little more measured and doing much more work on our fitness and conditioning and working with the Lions.

“We are also going to be putting a style of play together that suits the players that we have at our disposal.”

The core of the new-look Stourbridge side will be made up of six players who have featured for the British Police side that Mitchell also coaches.

Half back trio Toby Handley, Jo Heatley and Chris Scott have all joined the Stour ranks as well as second row additions Chris Roddy and Liam Mather and outside centre Marc Marren.

They are joined by Moseley forward Stefan Thorp and Cinderford hooker Sam Wilkes. Along with current Stour man Mark George they made up last season’s England Counties front row.

Further additions come in the form of James Rodley, number eight Connor Nicholls, who joins from Cardiff Uni, former Coventry centre James Othuha and full back Joe Bridger from Exeter University.

Despite the host of summer recruits, Mitchell also confirmed he is still looking to add to his squad as the new season approaches.

He highlighted the need to add a centre and wingers to the side before the big kick-off.

This Saturday's game against Wharfedale begins at 3pm.