TENBURY RFC coach Andy Black refused to write off his sides chances of surviving the drop from the Midlands 4 West (North) despite another disappointing defeat.

The 19-5 loss to third-from-bottom Market Drayton was the second game in a row that Tenbury had lost against fellow strugglers.

“They were certainly games that we had identified as giving us a chance to build up our points total, but obviously that hasn’t worked out," said Black.

Tenbury took the lead against their hosts with a try from Craig Parkes, but the windy conditions saw Will Gough’s kick sail wide.

Market Drayton took the opportunity to draw level as the half progressed, going into the break at 5-5.

The home side started the second half brightly and soon found themselves 12-5 up before killing the game off with another try and conversion.

It gave Black the chance to identify room for improvement among his players.

"We conceded ground far too easily and they scored a number of push over tries which we have to work on," he said.

However Black refused to be too downhearted about his side's league position, saying his players’ attitudes gives him reasons to be optimistic .

“I’m a half glass full kind of guy and we’ve got great spirit in the side, lots of energy and a willingness to improve," said Black.

“There were plenty of good performances, especially from Claude Celton and Lawson Thomas who both had good games.”

Black says he is enjoying working with the squad of players he has got.

"It’s about developing the players and making sure we all improve," he said.

"It’s a long term project, perhaps longer than we initially thought, but as long as the spirit remains high I’ll be happy.”