DIRECTOR of rugby Neil Mitchell has issued a rallying cry for fans to get behind Stourbridge for their crucial clash with Leicester Lions.

The promotion rivals will go head-to-head at Stourton Park this Saturday (3pm), with both sides looking to push further towards to top two places in National Two North.

Lions sit just one place behind third-placed Stour and both teams have second-placed Sale now firmly in their sights.

Mitchell said: "It is a crucial game.

"We have had a tough start to the year with long trips away but have done well to get the results we wanted. We have managed to put down the foundations for a push for promotion but need to beat a team right behind us now.

"We put in our worst performance when we lost to them earlier in the season, so we want to put that right now. The game is also significant because we can edge further ahead of them with a win as well as maintain our unbeaten home record.

"It would be great for the fans to come out in force and really support us this weekend. We have shown we are contenders and this is the game of the season so far.

"That extra home support really does make a difference and adds that extra momentum."

Stour go into the clash on the back of their fifth successive victory.

They beat Scunthorpe 26-15 last Saturday thanks to tries from Nigel Mukarati, Luke White, Dan Rundle and a penalty try. White converted three of the scores.

Trailing at half time following an error-strewn first half, Stour needed to put in an improved second half showing. They did just that, culminating in victory and a late bonus point try when winger Rundle raced clear.

Mitchell added: "I'm really pleased with how things have gone. We have now picked up 24 points from a possible 25.

"There were aspects of the game against Scunthorpe that we will have to improve though. We took our eye off the ball on occasions and lost concentration. That can't happen on Saturday.

"The players know we owe them one from earlier in the season and we won't capitulate."