Pointless end to year for Shrewsbury Rugby Club

Shell-shocked Shrewsbury Rugby Club's turbulent campaign has suffered a fresh blow – with their entire points tally wiped out.

The Sundorne Castle side have been hit by a five-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player.

That leaves them with no points at the midway point of the Midlands Two West (North) campaign.

Long-standing servant Nigel Hughes was the player at the centre of the investigation for his involvement in the 35-0 defeat at Moseley Oak at the end of October.

And captain Simon Evitts, whose side have won only once all season, admitted he is baffled by the punishment.

"Nigel was with the club when I was a colt and has been here a long, long time," said Evitts.

"He's a former captain and we are not sure how but he has somehow become de-registered.

"We didn't think it could get any worse but it has."

Shrewsbury are now 12 points adrift of their nearest rivals at the foot of the table.

"It's going to take a miracle for us to stay up but hopefully we can all come together and try and pull it off," Evitts added.

Meanwhile, Whitchurch's Jimmy Lloyd has departed from Edgeley Park to grasp a golden opportunity to move up the ranks.

Lloyd has stepped up three levels to sign for National One outfit Sedgley Park.

"It means Jimmy's gone up three divisions," said Whitchurch president John Gregory.

"He normally played No 8 for us but I think he played second row when he turned out for Sedgely Park in their defeat against Macclesfield last weekend.

"He's at university at Leeds so Sedgley Park is not too far away for him and we're pleased for the lad that he's got the chance to better himself."