STOURBRIDGE RFC director of rugby Neil Mitchell was left fuming by the officials after watching his side go down 8-6 at National League Two favourites Cambridge on the opening day of the season.

Mitchell has laid the blame for the loss at the feet of referee Brendon Fitzmaurice and his assistants The coach said: “ We should have won this game and I feel like three points have gone begging.

“I wasn’t happy at all with the quality of the refereeing and I really think it cost us on the day.

“There was just no consistency shown in the refereeing and I felt like they were bullied by some of their senior pros and in my opinion it cost us victory.

“The game was tainted by the lack of parity shown by the officials.”

Mitchell was far happier with his own side who he believes will bounce back from this defeat.

The coach also admitted the squad were being spurred on by those who have written their chances off.

He said: “The team spirit here is exceptional and is better than anything I have witnessed as both a player and a director of rugby.

“The team seem to be spurred on by those people who have written us off because they have seen some of last year’s senior players leave to be replaced by a number of younger players.

“This team has been put together with a clear plan in mind and I have high hopes for them.”

Stour will again be on their travels this Saturday when they face another one of the pre-season favourites in the shape of the Birmingham Solihull Bees.

Mitchell’s men will make the short trip across the West Midlands to Sharmans Cross (3pm kick-off).

The Bees will be left stinging after they also suffered an opening day defeat.

Mitchell said: “It’s a local derby and a game we are looking forward to.

“Just like Cambridge, they are one of the pre-season favourites.

“It will be an interesting game because a lot of lads who will be playing have connections with both teams.”

Stour supporters interested in making the trip can take advantage of an offer on the Bees website at www.beesrugby.com/news/half_price_ticketing_stourbridge_010908.htm which will allow you half-price entry