County in five try thriller

Shropshire got their RLF Three Counties Championship campaign off to a flying start with a 29-22 victory over Worcestershire & Herefordshire.

The Shropshire side, picked from the county's top rugby clubs, put up a superb display to defeat their more experienced opponents at Telford Hornets' Town Park ground last night.

They ran in five tries - with Ludlow's Mark Williams, Paul Hulland of Luctonians, and Newport pair Watisoni Leqeti (2) and George Armitage getting in on the act. Williams kicked two conversions to seal the victory.

Shropshire had named a young side, and were further hampered after just four minutes by the loss of Ken Milkins, the Bridgnorth skipper. He went off with a busted nose after an undetected stamp.

"The team showed pride and commitment, and you couldn't have asked for anything better," said delighted team manager Gordon Wood.

"They all stood up to the line and gave 100 per cent. Worcetershire & Herefordshire imagined it would be easy with all their academy boys, but we proved it was anything but.

"We defended well, we attacked well, and we had a power base that literally destroyed their pack at times

"Youngster Phil Rogers from Newport was excellent in his first senior county game."

Shropshire continue their campaign on Tuesday next week, when they travel to Moseley to take on Greater Birmingham (7.30pm).