Round-up: Promotion rivals prepare for pivotal Saturday showdowns

A potentially pivotal afternoon in Regional One Midlands, following last weekend’s break, sees all of the top-six play against each other.

Stour are fifth in the standings, 12 points behind the second-placed hosts but still within striking distance of third-placed Bromsgrove, who occupy the final play-off position.

The latter are away at fourth-placed Newent, who sit two points ahead of Stour.

Sixth-placed Lichfield, meanwhile, are a point further back and host leaders Bournville knowing a victory, coupled with results elsewhere, could also put them firmly back in the play-off mix heading into the campaign’s final weeks. 

Walsall could see their play-off place in Regional Two North mathematically secured with four matches remaining if they take care of business at home to Newark.

Victory would also keep them well placed to take advantage of any slip-ups by leaders Dronfield, who currently sit nine points above them in the standings.

Rugeley climbed into the top half of Counties Three West (North) with an emphatic 52-14 win over St Leonards.

Lichfield seconds missed the chance to significantly close the gap on second-placed Eccleshall, as they were edged out 26-24 at home by leaders Barton-under-Needwood.

Stafford’s mixed ability team endured a tough day as they were beaten 35-0 at home by Stourport.

The Marvels had drawn 17-17 with the same opponents in December’s reverse fixture but found the going tough in the first half of Saturday’s match at Blackberry Lane.

Trailing 35-0 at the break, they put in a much-improved second half performance, with the unlucky Will Conaghan being denied a late try when the referee called play back for an earlier infringement.