Shrewsbury hope for early seasonal cheer

It would be foolish to label it as a title decider before Christmas shopping even gets into full swing, but Shrewsbury are fully aware of the magnitude of their top-of-the-table clash at leaders Willenhall tomorrow.

Shrewsbury will steal the Midlands Four West (North) top spot if they can win the battle of the unbeaten records in Wolverhampton.

So far Shrewsbury have proved unstoppable with nine wins from nine and 232 points recorded as they look to mark their centenary season with an instant return to the higher level - but they are yet to enjoy the honour of first place as they have always been a game behind.

Now Shrewsbury have their first chance to set the pace against the only other unbeaten team in the division.

"It's going to be a tough, hard match but hopefully we can force it in our favour," said Shrewsbury fly half Mattie Morris."They'll be confident and at us from the off, we know that, so we'll have to match them.

"The lads won't need much motivation - this has been at the back of our minds for a while, so much so that it has been hard to concentrate on others.

"There are gaps appearing elsewhere in the league so if we can get a win this weekend maybe we can keep the run going for a while and start to open up some breathing space."

Shrewsbury have the luxury of naming an unchanged starting line-up for the first time this season.

Jon Wareham is unavailable while Andrew Swann (ribs), Jason Allibone and George Daniels remain doubtful with back problems.

Struggling Bishop's Castle admit that they have concerns over the strength of their scrum as they make the trip to mid-table Tamworth.

"It's hard for a little club like ours to go to places like Tamworth," conceded club spokesman Nick Howell.

"We should have a reasonable team but we do worry about the scrum. We've just struggled with a bit of consistency in that area."

They will be without Henry Wilson, scorer of two tries in their most recent defeat against Old Yardleians.

Cleobury Mortimer take their quest for their first points of the season to Veseyans.

The division's basement side are still locked on minus two points but are hopeful that the break through will eventually come.

"We're getting better, but just need those first points to give us a boost," said skipper Allan Shields.

Shields has a groin strain and second rower Daniel Bird is also absent.