Shropshire duo eye Olympic showdown

Shropshire enjoyed a feast of rugby as clubs joined forces for the Rugby Football Union-led competition.

It also included social fixtures for colts and ladies sides along with the main event.

In the tournament's first year, more than 280 players got their boots muddy ahead of a busy pre-season schedule at the Hornets' Dawley base on Hinkshay Road.

Nine sides, with players from as far afield as Bournemouth, Sheffield and Bedfordshire, contested the main event with the aim of reaching the Olympic Park grand stadium.

The qualifiers consisted of two pools, with Bridgnorth ousting a 'Mavericks' side from Bournemouth in one semi-final and Cleobury Mortimer coming out on top against Hereford in the other.

It comes on the back of last season's success in their domestic Midlands One West campaign, where Bridgnorth strode clear and won the title by 14 points.

The Edgar Davies Ground side enjoyed a 49-0 success against their country rivals in the final.

As per the inaugural competition's rules, the two finalists make it through the regional contest onto the Midlands area final at Moseley on July 16.

It was a 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' featuring Telford Hornets 'old-boys' who have moved on to other areas.

Shrewsbury, Hornets, Whitchurch, Dudley Kingswinford, Bishops Castle and Stourbridge sides were also in action.

The colts competition, featuring youngsters between the ages of 16-19, contained six sides and was the first action of the day.

Cleobury Mortimer's colts charged to the final, where they met invitational outfit Dudley Kingswinford.

The South Shropshire youngsters came out on top against their rivals from the Black Country.

As part of the RFU's drive in setting up the event, a primary aim has been to boost the local participation in colts rugby, getting more youngsters involved in the sport.

The ladies' social event consisted of Telford, Bridgnorth and Cannock, with the Staffordshire side proving too hot to handle and coming out on top after all sides played each other twice.

With pre-season around the corner, Telford chairman Rob McGuire was delighted to see the Hornets hierarchy and volunteers ensure a smooth day of action.

McGuire said the club would happily continue to support the event, continuing: "It all ran very well.

"The RFU were involved and gave every team free balls and a crate of Lucozade energy drink while there were also two of the regional RFU representatives there.

"It's the first time they have ever done it and we're hoping to be involved every year. It's a big reward for the two sides to possibly go on and make a final at the Olympic Stadium.

"The women's game is not as well supported so that is something that we and the RFU are trying to push."

The club are hosting a 'pitch up and play' day, where newcomers are able to enjoy a taster session in a controlled environment.

Continued work on the ground will spruce up the Hornets HQ as Telford's colts, three senior sides, ladies development team and 10 junior outfits all continue their preparations for the 2016-17 season.