STOURBRIDGE failed to fire on all cylinders but still secured a comfortable away win to start the season.

Notable performances were turned in by Will Hurrell, who drove powerfully into the Bees defence and man-of-the-match Drew Harper who was rock solid in both attack and defence.

The game’s early phases were error-strewn but the resulting scrums saw the Saxons pack take the upper hand, leading to a successful Tom Jarvis penalty after Bees failed to clear the tackle area.

Further attacks stalled before a lineout take by Robbie Hurrell on halfway was fed rapidly left, where a cut-out pass found Gary Dipple scorching through a half-gap to feed Stefan Cooksammy who brushed off the remaining defenders to score. A subsequent break by ex-Warriors Sione Tu'ipolotu was only halted by a last ditch ankle tap.

Stour opened the second half looking far more threatening and nearly claimed a second try after laying siege to the Bees line. But the opportunity went begging when Rich Stott got isolated and was penalised at the tackle.

No mistake was made in their next attack as Drew Harper barged over to score. With their tails up, the Saxons moved the ball straight back downfield, where quick ruck ball was spun left to Cooksammy who outpaced the wide defence to score his second of the game.

Bees hit back with a try of their when Tu'ipolotu was dispossessed lining up a touch kick. But with time running out, flanker Will Jones won a turnover to snuff out the last substantial Bees attack and moments later Rodley crashed over at the other end to secure the bonus point.