NEIL Mitchell has warned Stourbridge RFC they are facing a team in the last-chance saloon this Saturday.

The National Two North leaders travel to third-placed Darlington Mowden Park for what should be one of the final big hurdles as they look to close out the title.

With six games to go, Mitchell’s side know five wins will be enough to secure top spot while Darlington realistically need victory to maintain hope of catching second-placed Hull Ionians, the Saxon’s only remaining title challengers.

Stour’s director of rugby said: “If we beat Darlington on Saturday it really takes them out of it in terms of catching Hull for second and a play-off spot, they would really have to go some.

“This really is their last-chance saloon.

“We know they will be looking to up their game and be on top form but so will we.”

Mitchell is wary of Darlington’s strong back-line but believes the power of Stour’s pack should prove too much.

He said: “They have good backs and if you look at the stats you see a lot of their tries have been scored out wide.

“But what they don’t have is the forwards. We have a strong starting pack and the guys we can bring off the bench are just as good.

“You have to win the ball in order to play with it and we intend to dominate up front.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant but the only team who can beat us is ourselves.”

Stour’s lead at the top was cut to seven points after Ionians 22-19 win at Dudley Kingswinford, though the Yorkshire side failed to take a bonus point and only escaped with the win courtesy of a last minute penalty.

Mitchell was present at Heathbrook for the game.

He said: “I really enjoyed it.

“DK played their hearts out and it was great to watch.

“It was good to see Hull exposed.”