Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury hope to start the celebrations

Shrewsbury head to Uttoxeter tomorrow knowing a victory and a favourable result elsewhere could clinch promotion from Midlands 3 West (North).

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The Sundorne Castle men will be hunting an 18th straight league success and if that objective is achieved, then the focus will quickly turn to the outcome of the showdown between rivals Old Saltleians and Burntwood.

There are 25 points still up for grabs but a Shrewsbury bonus-point win success and a Burntwood defeat would clinch the step up in standard.

A Shrewsbury victory without the bonus point could also be enough if Burntwood lose and fail to pick up two bonus points of their own.

Shrewsbury have lacked nothing in motivation all season and the chance to seal the promotion deal tomorrow will provide further incentive.

“The first aim is to clinch promotion and we could achieve that tomorrow if results go our way,” said player/coach Simon Evitts.

“But first and foremost we have to make sure we do our own jobs. Then we can look at what’s happened in the other game.

“Uttoxeter away is a tough game. Every time I have been up there they have always been up for it. They are aggressive and have a big pack.

“Obviously it would be great to be promoted tomorrow, but if it doesn’t happen then we have the chance to clinch it at home against Burntwood in a couple of weeks.”

In the same Division, Cleobury Mortimer host Handsworth.

The Midlands One West action sees Whitchurch welcome Stourbridge Lions while in Midlands 2 West (North), title-chasing Ludlow are at home to Newcastle and Telford Hornets travel to Walsall.

“Trentham cried off last weekend and we managed to get a game in with Dudley Kingswinford’s second team.

“It turned out to be a really good, testing game and ideal preparation for our next two games.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for us fixture wise since Christmas.

“There are a maximum of 25 points still to play and the next two games, Uttoxeter tomorrow and Burntwood in two weeks, are massive.

“The second aim is to win the league and the third is to remain unbeaten. At the moment we are one of only nine sides in the country who are still unbeaten.