NEIL Mitchell insists he wouldn't do anything differently this season despite the fact Stourbridge's play-off prospects were left in tatters with defeat against rivals Sale.

Stour fell to a disappointing 40-19 loss at Stourton Park last Saturday to end their hopes of a second-place finish.

The hosts didn't help themselves having inside centre Ransford Otutaha yellow carded in the early stages before replacement second row Nick Murphy was sent off close to half time. But there was no escaping the fact that Sale were the better side throughout and they took charge from the word go.

Mitchell, who signed a five-year deal at the start of the season, reiterated his desire to lead the club to promotion and believes only fine margins cost his side this term.

He said: "I wouldn't do anything differently because the players are a good set and just have to learn from this season. I want to keep the majority of them here if we can.

"There have been a number of games that could have gone either way for us but just came down to fine margins in the end. There are times when we just took our eye off the ball and that cost us.

"I don't lose the drive or ambition to take the club forward, if anything it gets stronger each season.

"I don't want the season just to peter out now. We have to keep going and fighting for as many points as possible."

On the Sale defeat, he added: "They came out of the blocks a lot quicker but had a simple game plan.

"The yellow card was pivotal. It was never a yellow but we just have to accept it.

"The cards made a really difference and nullified the game as a contest. Sale have set the bar now and we have to follow their blueprint next season."

Mitchell believes one important factor missing from Stour's armoury is a link with a top flight side.

He says he will now look to forge stronger links with Worcester Warriors heading into next season.

"It is clear we need the help of a Premiership club. Our infrastructure is at the top end of the National League but you can't always do that single handedly," he added.

"Sale get significant help from Sale Sharks and we need to try and mirror that relationship with one of the top teams locally and broaden our horizons."

One player Stour's director of rugby will be keen to keep hold of is Dan Rundle after the winger bagged his seventh try in as many games.

Meanwhile, Stourton Park will host a clash between British Police and the British Army on Wednesday, February 15.

This is the first time the Police rugby team, managed by Mitchell, has played the Army away from either Twickenham or the Army's home of Aldershot.

Admission is £5 per person (no concessions), which includes a commemorative programme.

The clubhouse will be open from 5pm and kick-off is at 7pm.