STOURBRIDGE RFC director of rugby Neil Mitchell has criticised his side’s attitude following their 31-16 defeat to Wharfedale on Saturday.

Mitchell believes Stour “deserved a good hiding” for their “cavalier” display which saw them torn apart in North Yorkshire as the home side ran in five tries.

The performance prompted a tough training session for Stourbridge’s players on Tuesday ahead of this weekend's match with National One whipping boys Manchester at Stourton Park (ko 3pm).

Mitchell said: “There was an attitude issue and I don't know why that was.

“It’s not something I've seen this season but people didn't want to be committed to the game at all.

“In fairness to Wharfedale, I thought they scored three good tries, but our defence was poor and it was a bad day at the office.

“We were too cavalier at times.

“At half-time I said to the players to stick to the basics and not to be so cocky.

“I think we insulted Wharfedale to some extent by trying to be all flash so I think we thoroughly deserved a good hiding.”

The Yorkshire club ran in five tries, four of them in the second half with the strong wind and slope in their favour.

Stour’s only score was a penalty try late on when a scrum looked set to be driven over the line only for some skulduggery from the hosts. Jon Higgins kicked the conversion to add to his three penalties.

Rock-bottom Manchester arrive at Stourton Park on Saturday for what should be a try-fest.

Without a point to their name this season the visitors have shipped nearly 900 points in eight matches and were hammered 93-0 by LOndon Scottish on Saturday.

But any plans Mitchell had of giving a few squad players the chance to impress were subsequently left behind in the Dales.

He added: “We need to put out our best team against Manchester.

“That's what others are doing and putting 100 points on them at the end of the day it might come down to points.”

Long-term casualties Duncan White and Adam Billig are set to miss out on Saturday as they seek specialist advice on their respective knee and shoulder injuries.

That should give another place in the starting line-up for Sam Robinson in the backs and Ben Griffiths in the back row.