There was a little bit of history made on Saturday when Stourbridge stepped out at Stourton Park, home of the town’s rugby club, for the first ever time.
The Glassboys usually have to forsake home pre-season friendlies due to cricket commitments at their War Memorial Ground home, but this year they have reached a four-game agreement with the rugby club which allows them to get additional revenue at what is a challenging time for the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club.
Towards the end of last season, it was revealed that extensive – and costly - structural work was required at the War Memorial Ground, prompting concern for the future of the club, but Chairman, Andy Pountney, had led a determined response.
“There are still lots of issues to be resolved, but we are in positive discussions with The FA and Dudley Council,” he said. “We are trying to secure the long-term future of the club at the War Memorial and this will take time before we can announce exactly what is happening.
“What I can say at this stage is that the intention is very much for us to stay at the War Memorial Ground and be able to develop the site to ensure that it is our home for many more years to come.
“That’s what we are working so hard to achieve; the road ahead is a long one with plenty of twists and turns, but we’re involved in good, productive dialogue with all of the authorities involved.
“Hopefully these discussions will lead to a positive outcome for ourselves and the cricket club. Now more than ever we need everyone involved with the club to join together and support us. We all have to be singing from the same hymn sheet if we are to get to where we want to be.
“I just ask for support and patience over the next few months because we are working tirelessly to find solutions. Being able to stage four ‘home’ pre-season friendlies will be a big help to us and I would like to thank Stourbridge RFC and RFU 365 Rugby for helping us be able to make this happen.
“Their support has been crucial to us and it was great to see a crowd of almost 600 in attendance at Saturday’s first game against Dudley Town.”
IMAGE: Stourbridge FC
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