Class of 1965 back for 50th anniversary

Nearly 200 people crammed themselves into the club-house for a slap-up lunch before watching Stour beat Otley 25-8 on Saturday and gain ground on the top two.

The club held an anniversary game against Moseley – their first opponents 50 years ago – during pre-season, but picked Saturday's game to commemorate the milestone.

John Jeavons-Fellows, captain of the 1965 side, gave an impassioned speech at the meal and all eight former players received commemorative tumblers, pin badges and new club ties.

Club president John Slim said: "We were overjoyed to be celebrating this milestone anniversary.

"It's really down to the efforts of the pioneers, the committee and the players 50 years ago that we enjoy the facilities that we've got today. We're in National Two, but it's a Championship facility."

Having finished 12th after a difficult campaign last season, Stour are currently third and dreaming of nicking a play-off spot.

Slim said: "We're on a fantastic run. We are playing so well that we've got every chance of getting up in the mix in the top two but 12 points is a lot to make up, even though we are playing well.

"Whatever happens this season, the really good thing is there are four Stourbridge lads in the squad which we haven't had for a long time."

Back row Chris Depper and winger Josh Trinham are regulars while Richard Pennock played a few games before returning to Stourbridge Lions.

Full-back Tom Mitchell coaches a school team on a Saturday, but plays when he can. All four have come through the minis and juniors.

The members of the 1965 team were David Turner; Malcolm Glaze; Mick Pay; John Jeavons-Fellows; Roger Willetts; Francis MacFarlane; Geoff Aston and Dick Davies.

Robert Lloyd-Jones, a former Stourbridge player who played for Moseley in 1965, was also there.