The Bees come into the game on the back of a bonus point victory away at Luctonians last Saturday and a hard fought draw against Harrogate the week before.

Stourbridge have had a difficult season to date for a side more accustomed to occupying the higher echelons of the league table. Currently in tenth spot, they are just two places and four points ahead of the Bees in National League 2 North.

The men from Stourton Park played out a 17-17 draw against visitors Sedgley Park last weekend, but their form has been somewhat patchy this season to date. Their four wins so far have been at home to Luctonians (27-18) and Stockport (62-7) and away at Harrogate (11-17) and Hull (18-27).

However, they have also lost on four occasions on the road at Leicester Lions (42-17), Huddersfield (10-7), Broadstreet (33-10) and Ampthill (44-12), whilst losing tat home to Otley (23-37).

All this is in marked contrast to their form during their 2013/14 league campaign, where they won all but three of their 30 fixtures and were unlucky to miss out on promotion to National League 1 – pipped at the post on points difference only by Darlington Mowden Park on the final Saturday of the season.

Two of their 27 wins last season came against the Bees home and away. Stourbridge comfortably won the encounter at Stourton Park on 21st September 32-10, although they failed to capitalise on their first half dominance which saw them lead 25-3 at the interval.

The return fixture at Portway on 4th January this year saw an improving Bees side pushing Stourbridge close, with the visitors holding out for a 7-19 win after being 19 points ahead at the break and playing 30 of the 80 minutes with 14 men.

With the added spice of a local derby and the prospect of a sizeable crowd, this Saturday’s game promises to be an intriguing encounter with both teams underperforming against pre-season expectations thus far. Vital league points and local bragging rights are therefore both at stake at Portway.

For both home and away fans, there is a derby day special offer. Pre match lunch (two YumScrum courses) & match day ticket for £15.Book now by emailing Tina Lupoli (tina.lupoli@beesrugby.com).