Shropshire v W&H
Defending champions Shropshire eased into the final of the Iskitz Three Counties Championship with a 22-10 win over Worcestershire & Herefordshire at Telford’s Town Park this evening.
Shropshire now go forward to the final at Old Halesonians on May 17 where they will meet the winners of next Tuesday’s final group match between Worcestershire & Herefordshire and Greater Birmingham at Ledbury.
There was little to choose between the sides in an evenly contested first half with Shropshire centre Liam Holder’s opening penalty being cancelled out by a similar effort from Worcestershire & Herefordshire scrum-half Chris Pinner on the stroke of half time.
But, as they did against Greater Birmingham last week, Shropshire’s forwards strength laid the foundations for victory after the break.
Newport lock Michael Woodhouse rumbled over from close range for the opening try eight minutes into the second half with captain Paul Hulland (Cleobury Mortimer) following five minutes later.
Holder converted Hulland’s try and he also improved a well-taken try from fly-half Llew Williams (Harper Adams University) who darted over unopposed 10 minutes from time.
Worcestershire & Herefordshire rallied in the closing stages and their persistence was eventually rewarded when they were awarded a penalty try for persistent infringements which fly-half George Morgan (Kidderminster Carolians) improved.
The Iskitz Three Counties Championship is contested annually by the three Domestic Unions that comprise North Midlands RFU and gives players from outside the National Leagues the opportunity to play county representative rugby.