WOODRUSH 29, HARBURY 10

WOODRUSH took a huge step towards securing the Midlands Division Three West (South) title by seeing off biggest rivals Harbury on Saturday.

Victory saw the Icknield Street side extend their advantage over Harbury to five points.

While the second-placed team do have a game in hand, Woodrush also boast a huge points differential advantage to put themselves in the driving seat.

The home side took an early lead after coach Jon Ford had slipped a clever pass to Andy Poole in the centre, who broke the Harbury line with a powerful burst of pace and with the try line beckoning, fed Steve Smart on the loop who sprinted clear for first blood.

A fine driven maul by the home side saw Mike Loughrey power through two tackles to cross the whitewash again to extend the home lead.

The visitors then kicked cleverly with the wind at their backs for position after a number of Woodrush infringements and mistakes and only a heroic defensive display prevented further points for the men from Warwickshire. At half time the home team were clinging onto a 12-3 lead. Smart kicked a penalty but the away side scored a converted try to ensure a tense end to the match.

But Woodrush hit back and after an explosive run by Jake Bagby, Andy Warrilow touched down and Smart added the extras.

As the away team pushed for a try, the hosts took advantage and Warrilow ensured the bonus point when he touched down.

Woodrush have two games left to win the league, going to relegation-battling Alcester on April 5 and then entertaining Atherstone.