Shrewsbury's promotion hopes
The promotion party is set to go with a bang for Shrewsbury – who have been told a runners-up finish will send them up. The promotion party is set to go with a bang for Shrewsbury – who have been told a runners-up finish will send them up. Midlands League official Paul Kaminski has confirmed two teams will be elevated from Midlands Four (West), and Shrewsbury have already virtually sealed second spot. They go into tomorrow's clash at Burntwood leading their hosts by four points with just two games left. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Midlands League official Paul Kaminski has confirmed two teams will be elevated from Midlands Four (West), and Shrewsbury have already virtually sealed second spot.
They go into tomorrow's clash at Burntwood leading their hosts by four points with just two games left.
Burntwood can catch them, but would also have to initiate a remarkable turnaround in the points differences. Shrewsbury's stands at +346, while Burntwood's is +229.
Fly-half Mattie Morris insists they want to make mathematically certain tomorrow, but admits he is delighted at the positive news.
"I can't quite believe it until it really happens, but it's come from the top man with regards to Midlands rugby," said Morris.
"The news has only just broken and we haven't got together as a club yet, but it's what we've been waiting for and I'm sure there will be a celebration.
"Now we want to go to Burntwood and make sure of second place. We want to get them back for earlier in the season when they won at our place."
The men from Sundorne Castle will be without No 8 James Plant, who broke his arm against Leek last week.
Centre Phil Andrews returns from university to replace Nigel Hughes, while Bobby Darbyshire comes in for Plant. Second team skipper Phil Wintle comes in for the injured Steve Owen.
Bishop's Castle travel to Veseyans, while Cleobury Mortimer have the daunting task of making the trip to league leaders Willenhall, who still boast a 100 per cent home record.
Ludlow and Bridgnorth are both looking good for a top half finish in Midlands Three West (North), and can advance their hopes with away wins.
A trip to Old Saltleians is the prospect lying in wait for Ludlow, who still hold faint hopes of a top four finish.
Bridgnorth remain in contention for the top three, and they can enhance their chances by recording a convincing victory away to bottom-of-the-table Wednesbury.
Oswestry's promotion prospects in South Lancs/Cheshire 2 were ruined by two separate points deductions for fielding ineligible players.
But third place remains a target for the Eagles, who head north to Lancashire to face Southport tomorrow.
By CHRIS HUDSON
