Stour struggle for foothold in Sandal

After storming out of the blocks the previous week, Stour produced a disjointed, error-strewn performance at Yorkshire club Sandal, taking only a losing bonus point secured with the last kick of the game.

Home outside-half Greg Wood slotted an early penalty as Stour struggled to find their feet in Wakefield.

Further mistakes, firstly through a side-entry offence and then a fluffed line-out leading to a high-tackle foul, saw the visitors 9-0 down inside 10 minutes.

Following a further concession of three points after half-time, Josh Trinham's claim from the restart eventually led to Stour getting on the scoreboard through Chris Scott's boot. With the visitors still two scores adrift and time up, Rod Petty chose to take advantage of an opening and kick a drop goal to secure the forlorn Stour side a losing bonus point.

Lichfield made it two wins from two in National League Three Midlands with a narrow victory at Scunthorpe.

The Cooke Fields men ran out 24-20 winners in northern Lincolnshire against a Scunthorpe side who finished two places higher than them last season.

League rivals also picked up their second successive win of the season, securing a comfortable 31-13 win at Syston.

They move themselves level with Peterborough Lions at the top of the standings with a maximum of 10 points, with Lichfield one behind with nine.

It was a disappointing weekend for local sides in the Midlands One West, with both Walsall and Dudley Kingswinford falling to defeats.

Walsall were looking to recover from the opening day 77-7 reversal but were undone by visitors Crewe & Nantwich, with the Cheshire outfit securing a 40-29 victory.

Mike Benson went over for a try for Walsall with Rob Angell kicking the points to no avail for the hosts.

DK failed to build on their impressive Stoke on Trent win as they were beaten at Stratford-upon-Avon, whose impressive start has seen them top the early standings, with DK seventh after the defeat.

In the opening weekend of the Midlands Two West (North) season, Wolverhampton got their campaign under way with a 31-21 win at Camp Hill.

Both sides finished firmly in mid-table last season and Wolverhampton's young squad were impressive going forward at a tough Camp Hill side.

Stafford edged a thriller against Kidderminster as they turned last season's standings on their head as the Castlefields side prevailed 28-26 over Kidder.

Tom Hamplett went over for Stafford, before brother Will added a second unconverted try later in the half. Angus Lennon and Dean Ainger both went over for further Stafford scores and the game was perfectly balanced for Matty Walklate to score a late penalty to secure a five-point win.

Stourbridge Lions were emphatic in securing a superb 55-17 opening-day victory against Harborne.

Division Three West (North) saw Willenhall triumph in a local derby at Bloxwich, running out 23-11 winners.

Burntwood were convincing 42-10 winners against Wednesbury at The Sportsway. Cannock beat Tamworth 18-17 in a thriller at Stafford Road, after trailing 5-17 at half-time.