Shropshire win RLF North Midlands

Shropshire won the RLF North Midlands Championship for the first time in four years by beating Greater Birmingham in an entertaining final at Stourbridge's Stourton Park.

The result was in the balance until Shropshire winger Chris Tennuci scored the deciding try, an interception effort, as Greater Birmingham tried to run from defence with the final play of the match.

But there was little to choose between the sides in a tight and free-flowing final last night.

The lead changed hands five times in the first half and, until Shropshire centre Tamasi Tanumi kicked a penalty midway through the second half to open up a 28-17 lead, there was never more than eight points between the sides.

Shropshire's win followed up their 27-18 win over Greater Birmingham in a group match two weeks ago and denied Greater Birmingham their first title since 2001.

Greater Birmingham drew first blood when Bournville centre Tim Corcoran powered over after just five minutes and full-back Nathan Walmsley of Moseley added the conversion.

But Shropshire reduced the deficit and then took the lead with two tries in three minutes from full-back Dan Gravell (Harper Adams University), the second after Walmsley lost possession under pressure in his own 22.

Centre James Curgenven of Newport converted the second try but Greater Birmingham went back in front two minutes later when fly-half

Aaron Higgins (Solihull) intercepted and set up Corcoran for his second try which Walmsley improved.

The see-saw contest continued with Curgenven and Walmsley trading penalties before Shropshire made a decisive move with right wing Ben Williams (Harper Adams University) beating off two would-be tacklers to cross in the right corner on the stroke of half-time.

Harper Adams flanker Robin Le Coq crossed 16 minutes into the second half and Curgenven converted which was followed by Tanumi's penalty which allowed Shropshire to withstand Greater Birmingham's fightback.

Higgins began it by kicking a penalty and continued it with a superb try created by Corcoran's break and perfectly-timed inside pass.

With the clock running down Greater Birmingham had no option but to run the ball but Shrewsbury winger Tennuci, who made his senior debut for North Mids last weekend, was alert to the danger and pounced to seal Shropshire's win.

The RLF North Midlands Championship is contested annually by the three Domestic Unions that comprise the North Midlands RFU and gives players from outside the National Leagues and those who do not play regular first team rugby at National Leagues level the opportunity to experience a high standard of representative rugby.