There will be no Shropshire return to Twickenham this season after the county’s remaining teams were all knocked out of the various national cup competitions this weekend.
Cleobury Mortimer flew the county standard in the last campaign, reaching the final of the Junior Vase, before falling to Dorking in the showpiece match at rugby headquarters.
Hopes of a repeat performance from another county side had been high this time around - but the three remaining contenders all saw their hopes go up in smoke on Saturday.
Whitchurch were beaten by Dunstablians in the EDF Energy Intermediate Trophy, while Ludlow bowed out to Lutterworth in the Senior Vase and Clee lost at Bedford Swifts in the Junior Vase.
North 2 West outfit Whitchurch went out 41-26 at Midlands 1 side Dunstablians in their third round tie. The Reds had put in a spirited second half performance, but the damage had been done in an opening period that ended with them 36-0 behind.
Tries for centre Guy Stringer, No 8 Richard Baxter, centre Mike Swetman and winger Tom Crank - Swetman also kicking three conversions - helped them fight back, but the hosts held on.
“We just ran out of time because we were catching them up,” said president John Gregory.
“We had gone 10 games unbeaten before Saturday but they were on a run as well, and had won seven on the trot coming into the game.
“We’re a little disappointed to go out but the damage was done in the first half.”
Ludlow’s Senior Vase hopes ended at Lutterworth as they fell to a 29-21 defeat.
But the scoreline only tells half the story of an entertaining game, with Ludlow having led 21-12 at one stage before the hosts from Leicestershire hit back to claim victory.
Mark Williams had a good day, kicking two penalties, a try and a drop goal goal, as well as converting another try scored by Jack Smith.
“I was disappointed with the result, but really pleased with the way the lads played,” said skipper Matt Young.
“We played really well, especially considering we had a few people missing. Some young lads came in and did a great job.
“Lutterworth were strong. They’ve got a big pack with a lot of New Zealanders and Aussies in it and they were good players.”
Clee Hill went down 13-8 at Beford in the fourth round of the Junior Vase.
They trailed 6-3 at the break despite a Toby Higginson penalty and were back in touch late on thanks to a Gary Edwards. Around 40 supporters made the long journey to cheer on the gallant south Shropshire side.
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