Stourbridge slipping fast after Tynedale loss

Stourbridge's hopes of promotion from National Two North were left in tatters after a 38-17 defeat at Tynedale, writes Patrick Feeney.

The visitors took an early lead when Ash Elvers went over, but conceded two tries and a penalty to trail before flanker Nigel Mukarati touched down to give them hope.

Indiscipline from their north-east hosts saw three players pick up yellow cards, and substitute Billy Harding then crossed to reduce the gap to eight points.

Stourbridge couldn't complete the comeback, however, as two further tries secured a bonus point victory for Tynedale.

With just five fixtures remaining and second-placed Sedgley Park seven points ahead with two games in hand, promotion now looks to be a tall order. Stourbridge return home to face Chester on April 2.

In National Three Midlands, Old Halesonians lost further ground on the top two with a nail-biting 27-24 defeat at Lichfield.

The result leaves them 14 points adrift of Scunthorpe, while Lichfield sit 10th. Old Halesonians will host Longton on April 2, while Lichfield travel to Old Northamptonians.

Dudley Kingswinford improved their chances of a top-half finish in Midlands One West with a 54-7 demolition of Kenilworth.

Stefan Shillingford scored a hat-trick of tries while Lewis Hannibal, Nic Adams, Ryan Wicketts, Mitch Grealy and Duncan Tompkins all went over, with Tompkins adding a further 14 points with the boot.

Walsall's slim hopes of surviving relegation took a hit as they lost 33-3 at Whitchurch.

They sit bottom of the table with just 16 points from their 22 games and defeat at Hereford this weekend would seal their fate. Dudley have the weekend off before travelling to Leek on April 2.

In Midlands Two West North, there were wins for Kidderminster Carolians and Stourbridge Lions.

But Stafford were beaten 44-0 by second-placed Camp Hill while Wolverhampton were the latest side to miss out against undefeated Moseley Oak, losing 15-10. All have the weekend off.

In Midlands Three West North, Cannock ran in five tries, including four after half-time as they came from behind to beat Edwardians 34-15.

Josh Humphries, Jon Freeman, Fareth Leym Stephen Frost and Joe Brooks all crossed for Cannock, as Jordan Pincombe added a further nine points from the kicking tee.

There were wins for Willenhall and Burntwood, but Bloxwich lost heavily to Newcastle (Staffs), while Wednesbury fell at home to Tamworth.

That's despite Dan Till's excellent performance with the boot as he kicked all of Wednesbury's 18 points.

In the next round of fixtures, Cannock travel to Ludlow while Willenhall and Wednesbury face off. Burntwood play Newcastle (Staffs), and Bloxwich visit Tamworth.

Rugeley won 33-12 away at Aston Old Edwardians in Midlands Four West (North), but Aldridge fell closer to relegation with a 34-17 defeat to Telford Hornets.

Rugeley will face Church Stretton on Saturday, while Aldridge travel to league leaders Uttoxeter.