BROMSGROVE RFC coach Dean Ball has urged Ben Eason to stake a claim as the team's regular fly-half in Saturday's game at Longton after Matt Birch pulled out.

The reliable kicker misses the mid-table clash in the Midlands Division One because of a back injury.

Ball though thinks Eason will make an admirable replacement.

James Lloyd-Jones will deputise for Birch in the kicking department, but Eason has been given the job of orchestrating the Boars from midfield.

Ball said: "I see Ben as the ideal fly-half. He's got a great range of passing and could be a revelation.

"He gets a lot of knocks as a centre, but this move could be his making."

Ball has targeted wins over Longton and Derby next week to kick start a push for the top three.

The coach remembers the last time Bromsgrove played at this level - where a run of excellent results in their final eight games almost saw them escape relegation.

He said: "We know we can match any team in this division.

"If we could win our next two matches then we would have the platford to really push on for a top three place."

Victory on Saturday would see the Boars move from sixth place up to fifth.

Ball believes an experienced Longton side could be ripe for the taking.

He said: "Longton are one of the most mature teams in the division and many players might see this as their final season.

"If they are lackadaisical in any way then I am sure we can really take advantage."

* Bromsgrove's North Midlands Cup crunch clash with neighbours Droitwich could be played under the floodlights if it is moved to February 11 (Friday).

Ball has suggested a Friday night game to Droitwich and is waiting for a reply from the club.

He said: "Nothing's set in stone but it might be great move."