Shrewsbury add Vase to promotion

A dominant backs display inspired Shrewsbury to success in the Shropshire Vase as they defeated Telford Hornets 42-14 to lift the trophy.

The Hornets were far from disgraced, and enjoyed a decent spell either side of half-time in the clash at Forton Road.

But the men from Sundorne Castle proved too strong, running in six tries to claim the prize in their centenary season.

"We wanted to mark the year by having a good season and we've got promoted as well, so we've managed to do that," said spokesman Mattie Morris.

"It's nice to win something because we hadn't done that for quite a while."

Andrew Swann opened the scoring and Chris Tennuci then weighed in with two more before half-time, Morris converting all three.

Tennuci completed a hat-trick after the break before Jason Alibone and JJ Lowrie-Hertz got in on the act.

Morris was once again finding his range, converting all three again.

For Telford, Stefan Hildred kicked three penalties and they also managed a try through 17-year-old Ryan Arnell.

He was one of six Colts players brought off the bench to make their debuts as the Hornets cast one eye on next season after their promotion to Midlands Four West (North).

The game also marked the last as skipper for Dave Kerr, and he was delighted by the way his young side played.

"Shrewsbury's backs really opened up in the first 20 minutes and they taught us a lesson in attacking rugby," he said.

"But we were a bit rusty because we hadn't played for three weeks and, once we got going, we caused them a few problems.

"There was a lot we could take from it to help us cope in the league above next season."