Strugglers scorched in Shrewsbury spree

Shrewsbury had plenty to celebrate as they headed out on their Christmas party - immediately after demolishing lowly Cleobury Mortimer 62-5.The Sundorne Castle men were relentless in their destruction of the Midlands Four West (North) basement boys, sticking 43 points on their Shropshire rivals in the second half, following a routine first period.

The result means that Shrewsbury conclude their centenary year in second position in the league, still four points shy of leaders Willenhall but with a game in hand.

The importance of the win was magnified as it was agreed that the fixture would double-up as a Shropshire Shield match.

"They came at us all guns blazing as we knew they would, but it was very comfortable in the end," said Shrewsbury spokesman Mattie Morris.

"It's exactly the result we needed. Next year will be tough again, but we are confident that we can claw back the deficit and get promotion.

"We play Willenhall on the last day of the season and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that proves to be the decider."

Debutant Chris Tennuci opened the scoring for the hosts early doors after Cleobury had made a positive start.

That was the first of 10 tries for Shrewsbury as Cleobury's points against tally edged ever closer to an embarrassing 500.

Tennuci capped an impressive first senior performance with a second try whilst James Plant and Will Jones also touched down twice.

Darren Griffiths, Simon Evitts, JJ Lowrie-Herz and Nigel Hughes each bagged a try apiece and Neil Davies completed the rout with six conversions.

Ian King restored some pride for Cleobury with a consolation score in the corner in the last five minutes.

"I think they'll definitely win the league," said Cleobury skipper Allan Shields. "We just struggled to cope to the be honest.

"Hopefully the break will do us good and we can start against in January."

Bishop's Castle remain in trouble at the wrong end of the table after a ninth consecutive defeat, this time 30-7 at Old Yardleians.

Castle pressed hard in the first half but two breakaway tries and a string of needless penalties gave the hosts a 19-0 advantage.

A remarkable try for veteran Barry Conde, converted by himself, gave the visitors some hope, but Old Yardleians restored the gap soon after with another touchdown.

By Sean Wozencroft