Woodrush 21, Dunlop 14

WOODRUSH returned to the top of the Midlands Division Three West (South) after seeing off title rivals Dunlop on Saturday.

This fixture promised much as two of the early frontrunners, the first and second-placed sides, clashed at a blustery Icknield Street.

And the game delivered in spades, never less than dramatic, with Dunlop consistently using their huge inside centre as a battering ram against the more diminutive home midfield.

From the kick off it was clear this was a going to be a tight encounter and the game was very much in the balance for the first 15 minutes, despite a lively start by the home team.

Woodrush had five enforced changes, owing to the injury list after the Pershore game, with Josh Tomlinson deputising at ten and Jake Bagby stepping in to the unfamiliar position of hooker.

Bagby was joined by his brother Dan, who was making his first-team debut on the wing, while the experienced John Anderson returned to the action. James Riley also made his debut.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute after some excellent work by John Board and Dan Lavander, which allowed Jo Ford to touchdown, and Josh Tomlinson added the extra points.

But Dunlop levelled the scores and it was honours even at half time.

The away side then took advantage of Titch Thomas’ yellow card for handling in the ruck, and scored a try to take a 14-7 lead with 15 minutes of the game left.

Woodrush piled on the pressure and broke Dunlop’s resistance with six minutes remaining when Lavender carried the ball deep into the opposition half and Thomas drove over to tie the scores.

But there was still more drama to come as the home team won the game late on.

With both sides tiring, the ball bounced free of a ruck. Woodrush reacted more quickly than anyone else and blindside flanker Anderson found himself in clear space, with three defenders between him and the try line.

A show and go, followed by a side-step, left him with a straight line to the posts and he duly scored, making the conversion a simple one for Tomlinson.

With two minutes left, hearts were in mouths as Dunlop tried to respond and the final whistle was manna from heaven for the men from Icknield Street.

The team face a tough game away at Shipston on Saturday (3pm kick-off).