Rugby: North Mids One South

Woodrush 9 Kings Norton 3

WOODRUSH climbed off the foot of the league with this narrow victory over neighbours Kings Norton.

Three Dan Ashburn penalties steered the home side to the points but there were enough chances for Woodrush to have added to their tally.

Coach Matt Ellwell said he was delighted with the performance but said his players needed to look at their decision-making.

"We had so many chances that we should have had the game in the bag by half-time," he explained.

"We have a young side at Woodrush and they are still learning - but decision-making is paramount in these games."

Kings Norton's hopes of returning from Forhill with the points were not helped by having a number of regulars ruled out through injury.

Influential fly-half Ken Whitehouse and winger Matt James were among those missing along with forwards Guy Walton and Jason Rudd.

Woodrush immediately took control and they opened the scoring with an Ashburn penalty after just three minutes.

Kings missed an opportunity to get back on terms when Dave Ellis missed a long penalty punt from halfway.

Woodrush continued to threaten the Kings Norton line but desperate defence and clear superiority in the scrums held the home side until midway through the half when an infringement in front of the posts gave Ashburn his second successful penalty.

Kings attempts to get back into the game saw winger Martin Hefford switch to his more familiar position at fly half and captain Matt Eagles set off on rampaging runs which came to nothing.

Woodrush gained in confidence while Norton's ball handling let them down time after time.

However, following a kick through by Hefford, Kings applied pressure and gained a penalty on the half hour, which Dave Ellis converted to get the visitors back into the game.

Woodrush continued to apply pressure, with their backs queuing up to raid their visitors' line. With only three minutes to go before half time a good clearance by full-back Hefford found touch, Woodrush took a quick throw in and launched yet another attack on the KN line, Rob Hill eventually touching down for a comedy 'try' that was disallowed when the linesman was over-ruled by the referee.

Ashburn's third penalty, on half-time, opened up a 9-3 lead

Woodrush continued to dominate after the break but resolute Kings Norton defending somehow kept them at bay.

Woodrush look to continue their climb up the table when they head to Tenbury Wells on Saturday.