WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire retained the Iskitz Three Counties Championship with a 21-15 win over Greater Birmingham in the final at Edwardians.

Greater Birmingham thought they had scored when Camp Hill number eight Rob Hill drove over from a five-metre scrum in injury-time but the try was disallowed because of a knock-on.

The two counties were then penalised for dissent which gave Greater Birmingham a penalty they opted to scrum.

This time the defending champions repelled the attack and scrambled the ball into touch to secure a breathless win.

There was little to choose between the sides but the accurate goal-kicking of Worcestershire and Herefordshire full-back Sam Hopkins proved decisive.

Hopkins (Evesham) kicked three first-half penalties and also converted a try from his captain and number eight Jay Martin (Old Halesonians).

Greater Birmingham blindside flanker and captain Adam Lee (Old Saltleians) went over for a try that fly-half Tom Fleming (Camp Hill) converted.

Fleming also landed a penalty on the stroke of half-time but Woodrush openside flanker Josh Tomlinson rounded off a flowing move to increase the lead to 11 points.

Greater Birmingham scrum-half James Pritchard (Old Yardleians) nipped over from a quick tap penalty to reduce the deficit.