STOURBRIDGE RFC suffered a surprise defeat away at National League Two whipping boys Waterloo but director of rugby Neil Mitchell insisted he will not be blaming the players.

Stour have been hit by an horrendous injury list, culminating with Mitchell having to make more than 10 enforced changes to his side before and during Saturday’s 10-5 defeat on Merseyside.

The head coach said: “At the minute we are having to put square pegs in round holes.

“The injury list is just incredible and for Saturday we will struggle to be able to name 20 fit players.

“On Saturday I can’t be too critical of the players because in reality it was just too much of an ask when you consider who is playing where.

“Added to that we had to make to make three positional changes during the game and Harry Collins had to go off with a fractured cheekbone, which will rule him out for the remainder of the season.

“I just can’t believe our luck at the moment.”

Mitchell has now put the emphasis on organisation for the visit of Tynedale to Stourton Park this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

He added: “For Saturday’s home game against Tynedale the key is going to be organisation.

“We are going to have to simplify our game plan and ensure we have a solid defence, even if it is at the detriment of our attacking play.

“It’s a sorry state off affairs but just like Waterloo we are going to have to play with a lot of heart and passion.”

Mitchell is desperately looking for a hooker for Saturday following the loss of Collins and he is keen to bring back Chris Rowlands from Ding Crusaders.

One player who maybe back in contention for Saturday after a stint playing sevens in Hong Kong is utility back John Holtby.