Clee Hill take maximum points - but at a cost

The county side won 26-19, but the game was overshadowed by a serious injury to Clee Hill's Charlie Evans,

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With five minutes to go, the home side got within a converted try of the visitors – and but for a brave last-ditch tackle from scrum-half Evans, they would probably have got it.

The Clee Hill man suffered a broken collarbone in the process and now faces, at least, six weeks out.

Club captain George Evans – brother of Charlie – was pleased to get the Midlands Three West North victory, but devastated at the injury.

He said: "Charlie is a critical player for us and it's a big blow to both him and the club. He's going to be off work for at least a month and won't be able to play any rugby for six weeks.

"He's a positive lad, though, and he has targeted the second week in March as his return date, against our local rivals Cleobury Mortimer."

Charlie had been in fine form, playing every game. But he is now sidelined with No 8 Adam Yarnold, who suffered a dislocated hip in the abandoned match with Ludlow last month.

Clee Hill had led by 14 points going into the closing stages at Bloxwich, but a late rally saw them having to dig deep for the win – a desire epitomised by Evans' tackle.

Ryan Home was the stand-out player for Clee. Home, Craig Breakwell, Gary Edwards and Dan Matthews scored a try apiece – three of them converted – in the win.

George Evans added: "It's always hard going back to it after the Christmas break. But we showed that we want to cement our place in the top six and maybe even push to get among the top four."