Shropshire book final date

Shropshire booked their place in the final of the RLF North Midlands Championship with a 27-18 win over Greater Birmingham in a richly-entertaining group match at Kings Norton.

Last night's win followed Shropshire's opening day 55-13 victory over defending champions Worcestershire & Herefordshire.

Shropshire will now meet the winners of next Tuesday's final group match between Worcestershire & Herefordshire and Greater Birmingham at Droitwich in the final at Stourbridge on May 19.

"We were happy with the victory if not the manner of it," said spokesman Gordon Wood.

Shropshire had to work hard for their win against an ambitious and well-drilled Greater Birmingham side who led 15-12 early in the second half and who were only four points adrift before fly-half James Curgenven, of Newport, scored the decisive try after 70 minutes.

Both sides played a fast and open game on a perfect playing surface and it was Shrewsbury wing Chris Tennuci who made an instant impression, weaving through from long range for a superb individual try.

But Greater Birmingham levelled with a well-worked try from winger Jermaine Bernard and they then went in front when Aaron Higgins sliced through.

Tennuci displayed his skills again just before the break, this time setting up full-back Tamasi Tanumi for a try with another jinking run and a beautifully-timed pass.

Curgenven's conversion gave Shropshire a two point lead at the break but Greater Birmingham were back in front within three minutes of the re-start when No 8 Chris Goddard won a line out and Higgins accelerated away for a brilliantly-taken try.

Nathan Walmsley's conversion attempt hit the post and bounced out but Curgenven pulled Shropshire level with a 48th minute penalty.

Replacement flanker Rob Le Coq, of Harper Adams University, crossed after sustained pressure and Curgenven converted but Walmsley found the target with a long range penalty to pull Greater Birmingham to within four points.

But Curgenven sealed the win when he crossed for an unconverted try from close range to book Shropshire's passage to the final.