Telford Hornets face up to penalty sting

The Midlands Four West side are set to be punished for fielding an unregistered player in their first two league games against Harborne and Clee Hill.

Gareth Pollard spent last season with Hornets playing second XV rugby, but was not registered for first team duty.

And while the points have yet to be officially deducted, captain Matt Evans feels there is an air of inevitability about the outcome.

"It was not intentional and it's just an over-sight," he said.

"But rules are there for a reason and we didn't stick by them so we have no complaints."

Telford's woes increased as they went down 28-11 at Uttoxeter in the league on Saturday.

The visitors conceded an early try and their task became even greater when Chris Tinsley was yellow carded for a high tackle.

Uttoxeter doubled their advantage with another converted score before two Ben Lewis penalties gave the visitors hope trailing just 14-6 at half-time.

Matt Hutchins forced his way over in the corner at the start of the second half to reduce the deficit still further, but two late converted tries following five metre scrums saw Uttoxeter clinch victory to leave Telford still looking for their first success of the campaign.

"I thought our performance was very good and the final scoreline doesn't reflect the way the game went," added Evans.

Bishop's Castle suffered their third successive defeat as they went down 36-19 at Barton-under-Needwood.

Gary Waters and Andy Dale both crossed the line while Jack Holloway kicked three penalties for the south Shropshire side, whose misery was completed when captain Pete Bevan was sent off for dissent late in the game, although the referee later admitted making a mistake.