Versatile Shrewsbury deliver derby joy
Shrewsbury coach John Das-Gupta was delighted with his team's new-found versatility as they rebounded from an early 10-0 deficit to defeat Shropshire neighbours Market Drayton away.
The hosts had made a lightning fast start in this Midlands Three West (North) derby but Shrewsbury made adjustments and ended up running out 39-15 victors.
Das-Gupta said: "What really pleased me was the speed at which the squad reacted, adopting a different game plan.
"At the start of the season, they would have struggled to adapt their game to counter the opposition. There were no such worries on this occasion, though, as changes had an immediate impact.
"Once we took the lead, it was clear that Drayton had no answer."
Shrewsbury, fourth in the division, ran in seven tries overall to record their fourth straight five-point victory.
Drayton, third-from-bottom, had gone ahead through centre George Minshall's penalty on five minutes. Full-back Ben Tokai then made a great dash to send Minshall clear for the opening try, which the scorer then converted. But a brace of tries from Colin Dickson, one converted by Joe Hearl, and an Alan Jebbs touchdown gave Shrewsbury a 17-10 half-time lead.
Drayton stand-off Steve Meadows narrowed the gap with an unconverted try soon after the restart.
But further tries from Richard Hooper, Hearl (converted by James Adams), skipper Simon Evitts and Sam Heanen wrapped up the win.
Drayton president Glynn Hardy said: "I wouldn't say we folded but after a really good start we let in one or two soft tries. Shrewsbury wanted it a bit more but they were fitter and more organised. Having said that it is always disappointing to lose, but of all the sides that have visited us this season Shrewsbury have probably been the best."
Meanwhile, in the Midlands Four West (North), Clee Hill maintained their grip on second place with a 26-12 home win over second-from-bottom Tenbury.
The hosts lost captain Matt Bowen to a cracked rib injury after 15 minutes but Luke Bowen, Craig Breakwell and man of the match Charlie Evans all crossed the line to help Clee Hill claim victory. They also managed a penalty try, and Robbie Jordan added three conversions.
Cleobury Mortimer, third in the division, kept up the pressure on their county neighbours with a 40-0 home win over basement side St Leonards.
Captain Allan Shields led the scoring with a try as well as two conversions and two penalties. Dave Shorter added two tries. Tom Leach, Sam Sutton and Ben Howman also crossed the whitewash in a dominant display. Bishops Castle's trip to Bromyard was postponed.
Midlands Five (West) North side Telford Hornets defeated Shrewsbury Twos away in a friendly 36-0, with tries from Ben Lewis, Denham Samuels, Joe Mottershaw, Russell Fletcher, Stefan Hildred and Matthew Bird. Lewis and Hildred add one and two conversions each respectively.
