Rugby: Cleobury Mortimer aim for Twickenham

Cleobury Mortimer have Twickenham in their sights for the second time in six years - after reaching the Midlands semi-finals of the Junior Vase.

The south Shropshire side are now just three wins away from a return to rugby HQ, having lost there to Dorking in the 2006 final of the same competition.

Cleobury, of Midlands Four West (North), took the latest step with a 10-6 win away to Midlands Five West (North) leaders Birmingham Civil Service on Saturday.

And delighted team manager Paul Harding said: "There were about 25 supporters up there and 40 or 50 for them but our fans out-cheered them throughout.

"The lads loved it - it was a typical cup match and a tense finish. We could just do with a home draw now."

Cleobury's afternoon got off to a bad start when winger James Manley picked up an injury in the warm-up.

Having been called up to play for the England Deaf side next weekend, he was left out of the side as a precaution.

The visitors still started well and took the lead from a rolling maul that saw Birmingham shoved back from their own 22, Ian King going over and Allan Shields converting.

But they suffered another setback when blindside flanker Colin Todd was forced off with a knee injury.

That allowed the home side to gain a foot-hold in the game and they closed the gap with two successful penalties.

Shields kicked a penalty to extend Cleobury's lead but they then had to defend with determination as the Civil Service piled on pressure in the last 20 minutes.

"In the first 20 minutes they were absolutely shell-shocked," added Harding.

"We were in their faces, their heads were down and we were far the better side.

"But the injury to Colin disrupted us and they came back into it."

By CHRIS HUDSON