CLEE Hill RFC skipper Sam Link believes his side’s strong showing this season leaves them well-placed to challenge for promotion from Midlands Four West North next year.

Hill’s fourth-placed finish was confirmed by last Saturday’s narrow 27-17 defeat at runaway champions Linley.

All of Hill’s tries came in the second half via Charlie Evans, Robbie Jordan and Dan Romeo, plus an Evans conversion, after they had trailed 10-0 at the interval.

But after beating Linley 7-0 at home earlier this season and pushing them close away, skipper Link – whose side round off by hosting Market Drayton this Saturday – is optimistic for next season.

He said: “Totting up the scores home and away, there was only three points between us and Linley which is no mean feat considering they are the best side in the league.

“We have a good young squad, with probably only five players over 25, and we are all keen to play every week so it bodes well.”

In Midlands Three West North, Cleobury Mortimer lost 43-10 at champions Shrewsbury despite an Ed Lewis try and a penalty and conversion from Hayden Edwards.