STOURBRIDGE Director of Rugby Neil Mitchell insisted this week’s 31-13 win at Preston flattered his side.

Despite scoring a try in the opening minute,Stour were left hanging on at times.

Mitchell confirmed: “As too often, a fantastic start following which we took our foot off the gas and tried to force the play in too many phases.

“Rather than delivering the game plan and sticking to our strengths, we ended up chasing the game, putting ourselves at huge risk of not just missing the bonus point – but also of potentially losing the game.

“The scoreline flatters us and does little credit to the performance of Preston and we have plenty work on in training this week.”

Stour host third from bottom Sheffield Tigers this Saturday at Stourton (3pm), but Mitchell believes the Yorkshiremen are in a false position.

He claimed: “They’ve brought a few players in recently and strengthened. They beat Sedgley Park two weeks ago and took Macclesfield to within a point just before Christmas, so they are without doubt formidable opposition and I’m expecting a tough game.”

Drew Harper made his first appearence of the season and marked the occasion with a couple of tries. Mitchell claimed:

“He got 18 to 20 tries last season and certainly knows where the try-line is. He brings that extra element to our game.”