TWICKENHAM is again beckoning on the horizon for Tenbury RFC – and club supremo Andy Black insists his players should embrace the challenge.

A thrilling 32-27 win over Barton-under-Needwood put Tenbury into the Midlands Junior Vase semi-final for the second year running – three victories from running out at English rugby's hallowed turf.

Tenbury lost in the Midlands final last year when Twickenham was two wins away and Black said: "Getting to the final was a fantastic achievement but let's try and go one better.

"I don't see why we shouldn't feel like that – you have to stay positive in terms of your aspirations and goals because, if not, your performances might drop."

In the regional semis, Tenbury could face Birmingham-based Aston Old Edwardians, Leicester-based Birstall or local rivals Clee Hill – who Black's men beat at the same stage last year.

"Let's play Clee Hill in the final this year!" Black laughed. "There's mutual respect there – whenever Clee Hill are in our clubhouse, a good time is had.

"They built their club up over a number of years, recruiting some very good players and we have developed our squad similarly over the last couple of seasons."

Tenbury have lost only once at home in the past season-and-a-half – that Midlands final loss to Mellish – but they had to come from behind to beat a game Barton side.

An early interception score put the visitors 7-0 ahead but Midlands Four West South outfit Tenbury fought back to lead 17-13 at the interval.

An Alex James try brought them level at 7-7 and he converted Harry Moran's score, either side of two Barton penalties, before Gregg Powell's three-point kick on the stroke of half-time.

Barton scored two penalties to Tenbury's one early in the second half to close the gap to 20-19 but tries from Joey Partridge and Callum Spires put the hosts clear before a late Needwood consolation.

"It was a good game, even Barton said it was one of the best games they have played in. The referee also commented afterwards on the quality of the rugby played," added Black.

Clee Hill, meanwhile, booked their Midlands semi-final spot with an impressive 21-12 victory at Northampton Men's Own, who had won seven out of seven in their league this season.

Skipper Charlie Evans said they would not fear a rematch of last season's semi, adding: "It wouldn't worry us at all, if we play Tenbury we play them, if we don't, we don't. We'll see what happens."