CLEE Hill RFC head into Saturday’s game at champions-elect Linley buoyed by their biggest win of the season – but it is one of their narrowest victories that will prove their motivation.

Hill thrashed Essington 54-7 to keep their slim Midlands Four West North promotion hopes alive last weekend.

They must win at Linley – who have virtually wrapped up the title with two games to spare – to have a chance of a top-two finish but did beat them 7-0 in December.

Skipper Sam Link said: “They have come on since then and are a very good side but can be beaten. They had an ‘off’ day, we had an ‘on’ day.

“It was freezing fog, absolutely vile weather and we scored a lucky try. I’ve been praying for those conditions again!”

After a frustrating opening 20 minutes, a quick four-try burst from Robbie Fletcher, Dennis Prescott, Gary Edwards and Robbie Jordan put Hill in control against Essington.

A second-half Luke Bowen double plus tries from Link and Daniel Drinkwater rounded off the rout.

Elsewhere, Cleobury Mortimer lost 23-5 to promotion-chasing Old Saltleians in Midlands Three West North. James Cutts got their try.