Mark Birks shines in Tenbury's 46-5 win over Five Ways in Midlands Four West (North) (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Mark Birks shines in Tenbury Rugby Club's 46-5 win over Five Ways in Midlands Four West (North)

6:00pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

Tenbury 46 pts Five Ways OE 5 pts  <p>

FULL-BACK Mark Birks rounded off promotion-chasing Tenbury’s seven-try romp with a swallow dive at Palmer’s Meadow in Midlands Four West (North).

Third-placed Tenbury were in top form against Five Ways Old Edwardians and blew away the visitors after roaring into a 17-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

Birks and man-of-the-match Chuck Parry each bagged two tries for Tenbury, who are just three points behind joint-leaders Market Drayton and Uttoxeter.

Winger Ed Tong, centre Luke Brittain and Pete Foster also crossed the whitewash for Tenbury and Ben King slotted four conversions and a penalty. Tenbury skipper Pete Stevens was delighted with Tenbury’s triumph which sets up an exciting month for the club.

“We realised we were lucky to get the win against Bromyard and there was a very good buzz in the camp before Saturday’s match,” said Stevens.

He added: “We knew that Five Ways Old Edwardians had some big boys and it was important to get their pack moving around the field.”

Tenbury led 22-5 at the interval and drove home their advantage in the second period.

Stevens said: “Chuck Parry was immense at flanker - we have never seen him play so well. He was outstanding and gave a man-of-the-match performance.”

Tenbury are without a league game this Saturday, but travel to Hereford for a friendly match.

“We’ve got Telford Hornets in the league the week after and we’ve got Clee Hill at home coming up - so it’s a massive month ahead for the club,” added Stevens.