Shrewsbury kept their promotion dream alive – but they were made to work hard for their 23-14 victory at Old Yardleians.

The result ensures they stay in second place in Midlands Four West (North), and they are now hoping that would prove enough to get them up, with the RFU still to formally announce promotion and relegation arrangements.

It had looked like it would be a routine day at the office on Saturday as the county town men dominated the first half and led with a Chris Tannucci try and a Mattie Morris penalty.

But they conceded a touchdown on the stroke of half-time, and fell behind when Old Yards went over again.

Jason Allibone crashed over to bring Shrewsbury back within one point before Morris kicked another penalty to restore their lead at 16-14.

That was how it stayed until the last play of the match, when Neil Williams crossed the line to increase the advantage and Morris kicked a conversion.

“It’s a pleasing result because Old Yardleians have been playing well recently,” said spokesman Morris. “We should have finished the game off in the first half – we had lots of pressure but didn’t convert it into points.”

Cleobury Mortimer went down 20-0 at home to Burntwood – and skipper Allan Shields also suffered a broken bone in his wrist that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The south Shropshire men were still pleased with their performance, Shields delighted with the way they restricted one of the league’s strongest side.

“The defence was good and everybody played really well,” he said. “We can take a lot from it.”

Bishop’s Castle stay second from bottom after suffering a 13-12 defeat at home to Handsworth – though they were ahead until conceding a penalty in front of the posts with five minutes to go.

Pete Hughes and Keith Evans both registering tries, with scrum-half Mark Willis kicking one conversion. That looked enough until they conceded a late penalty after a poor 22 drop out.

By Chris Hudson