COACH Dean Ball believes Bromsgrove RFC can secure their place in the Midlands Division One with victory at Longton on Saturday (2.15pm start).

Ball set his promoted side a target of 16 points to cement their place in the division for next season.

The Boars are just one point off the target.

However, in recent weeks they have stalled so close to their main objective.

The draw with Derby and Saturday's loss to Luctonians have meant the Boars still have to wait to secure safety.

Ball said: "We're so close to the safety line, but we have made life hard for ourselves in recent weeks and the longer we go on doing that the further away the finishing line is.

"It's not possible to say for sure 16 points will guaruntee is safety but I don't think it'll be much greater than that."

Bromsgrove though face a difficult task if they are to surpass Ball's target in the re-arranged match at Longton.

Longton have hit form in recent weeks and have moved up to fourth in the table - a spot that Bromsgrove's coach still covets.

He said: "I don't think we can finish third now, but a few wins in a row would see us finish in the top half of the table."

Captain Dave Clark is set to start the Longton game after missing the last five weeks.

Clark has completed the lengthy application process into the police force and is now available - much to Ball's delight.

He said: "Dave has been a huge loss since he's been out.

"He's player who wears his heart on his sleeve

and lifts the team.

"It was something we definitely lacked in the Luctonians game and if he had been playing it may have been a different result."

Centre Tom Churchill is also set to return after sustaining an injured cheek in the Derby match a fortnight ago.

Ball predicts a repeat of the Luctonians match, which was played in wet and windy weather.

He said: "Tom's injury was not as bad as first thought, but he didn't want to risk it so early and be out for longer.

"He's a big player for us and along with Dave can really push the team forward.

"The Longton game is going to be a real battle. They won't want to lose and the conditions might not be very good."