Oswestry must wait

All eyes at Oswestry have turned to the RFU as they wait with anticipation to learn their promotion fate.

The Eagles wrapped up third place in South Lancs/Cheshire 2 with a 34-13 win over Trentham on Saturday.

The top two have traditionally been promoted from this league, but Oswestry have been given early indications that a divisional restructure could play into their hands.

"The club's come on leaps and bounds this year, with a new coaching structure in place," said club spokesman Nick Carlton.

"We've got strength in depth with three teams and we will be eager to take the chance to progress if it comes along."

Tries for Mike Wilcox and Rob Massam, the second converted by Andy Howell, put them 12-0 up at the break versus Trentham.

The visitors hit back but three late tries proved decisive.

Massam got a second, Kev Bell went over and then man-of-the-match Guy Howell charged in from 30 yards out.

Newport's Midlands 1 campaign ended on a low note as they slipped to a 17-3 defeat at Chester, who pipped Luctonians to the play-off place as a result.

The afternoon started badly for the Fishes as left-winger Paul Buttery was rushed to hospital with a broken shoulder blade.

They did take the lead through a James Curgenven penalty – but suffered more agony as right winger Steffen Brotherton broke his leg.

From that point, Chester took control to run out winners, and the news got worse for Newport as it also later transpired that scrum-half Jamie Simpson had broken a bone in his hand.

"It's disappointing to lose any game but the season as a whole has been very successful for Newport, who continue to play competitive, open rugby against opponents whose club structures are bigger and have a larger catchment area than us," said director of rugby Ray Price.

"None of them, however, are as well supported and encouraged better than Newport.

"All the players and management of the club are so grateful for the ever-continued presence at all our home and particularly away games."

Luctonians may have missed out, but they gave it their best shot with a 15-13 win over Kenilworth to end their own campaign.

Andy Garrod kicked a penalty and tries from Paul Hulland and Peter Smith, one converted, put them into a lead they managed to defend despite Kenilworth scoring a late try.

By CHRIS HUDSON