A TREMENDOUS effort in defence and the ability to take the limited opportunities on offer gave Waterloo a well-deserved National Two victory at Blundellsands.

This was guerrilla operations v the set piece battle plan as the home side harrassed and hounded the more powerful opposition at every opportunity.

But Waterloo fell behind when a penalty kick into touch was followed by a catch and drive from Ben Gerry, who powered his way over to give the visitors a 5-0 lead.

Although Stourbridge enjoyed the lion’s share of possession for the remainder of the half the Waterloo defence held firm and, feeding off scraps, the back row picked up anything that was loose to keep them in the game and frustrate the opposition.

Early in the second half a break by Freeman Payne set up a try for James O’Brian, Liam Reeve’s conversion giving Waterloo the

lead for the first time.Stourbridge continued to lose their way and a

burst through by Dan Hall forced a penalty, Reeve punishing the indiscretion.

Stourbridge threw everything at the Merseysiders in the final five minutes but once again the defence was uncompromising and magnificent.

Waterloo 10 - Stourbridge 5