Woodrush 7 Bridgnorth 69

WOODRUSH were no match for North Midland Shield holders Bridgnorth.

Bridgnorth were in no mood to surrender the title to a team from a league below them who despite a good pre-season did not have the resources to deal with the visitor’s quality.

Rush’s opponents scored two early tries and did not look back as they reached into a 22-0 half-time lead.

The hosts responded well at the start of the second half and produced a host of drives before Titch Thomas drove home under the posts.

But the loss of Dan Lavander to a collarbone injury reduced Woodrush’s forward power considerably and they were overwhelmed by some excellent rugby from Bridgnorth.

Woodrush should take heart from the half an hour of this game where they competed strongly against a side who are sure to be in the running for promotion from Midlands Two.

Woodrush now have a place in the quarter finals of the Shield Plate, which brings Ledbury to Icknield Street on October 4.