PLUCKY Tenbury came up just short in a 26-20 defeat at Chaddesley Corbett in Midlands Five West (North) on Saturday.
Two early penalties put the hosts in control before Claude Celton reduced the arrears with a well-taken kick of his own.
Tenbury then moved in front when Jon Males charged down a clearance and recovered to touch down but the joy was short lived.
Chaddesley regained the lead with a driving maul and a well-worked move from a scrum saw them establish a 10-point lead.
Undeterred, the visitors hit back through Callum Spires following some good work from the forwards but the hosts stretched their legs once more.
Celton pounced upon a mix up late on to set up a frantic final 10 minutes in which both teams were reduced to 14 men. Greg Powell was sin-binned for Tenbury and they failed to find a way through.
In Midlands Three West (North), Ludlow maintained their strong start with a 35-25 win at Eccleshall, Cleobury Mortimer won 46-10 at Telford Hornets and Clee Hill overcame Uttoxeter 32-21.
Church Stretton edged out St Leonards 25-24 in Midlands Four West (North) but Bishop’s Castle lost 19-5 at home to Wednesbury.
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