Lions tamed yet again but have buffer

MIDLANDS ONE EAST: Rugby Lions’ troubles continued after suffering a 43-7 humbling at the hands of mid-table West Bridgford.

The heavy defeat in Nottinghamshire was Dave Addleton’s side’s fourth in as many games to lie just outside the division’s bottom three with 20 games of 26 played.

However, the men from Webb Ellis Road hold a 17-point buffer above the relegation zone meaning it is unlikely they will suffer any final-day drama like last season - when Lions were reprieved from relegation courtesy of correctly-awarded, but belatedly-added bonus point.

MIDLANDS ONE WEST: League leaders Bromsgrove extended the gap between themselves and second-placed Newbold to 12 points courtesy of a resounding 57-0 victory.

It was only Newbold’s third defeat of the season having suffered relegation from the Midlands Premier in 2017/18.

Player/coach Phil Reed’s side sit second, holding a six-point buffer on nearest rivals Dudley Kingswinford with six rounds of fixtures remaining.

MIDLANDS TWO WEST SOUTH: Kenilworth’s relentless march towards the title continued with an eleventh consecutive victory.

A Bobby Thompson hat-trick and tries from Harry Abell, Gaz Renowden and Rhys Jones ensured a 39-5 win away in Evesham. Steered by head coach Dave Ellis, who has worked with the France and New Zealand national teams, Kenilworth hold an eight-point lead at the top over nearest rivals Old Laurentians.

MIDLANDS THREE WEST SOUTH: The promotion race in Midlands Three West South looks set to go down to the wire after a dramatic weekend of results.

Old Leamingtonians lost their grip on second place after a 24-7 defeat at Berkswell and Balsall, a chance Shipston did not pass up, putting 54 unanswered points past rockbottom Upton to open a fourpoint gap on Old Leams, having played a game less.

Pinley’s relentless march to the title continued with a 38-10 victory away against Woodrush.