DIRECTOR of rugby Andy Black says Tenbury RFC are already looking forward to next year’s competition after narrowly missing out on back-to-back Midlands Junior Vase final appearances.

Tenbury came close to repeating last season’s journey to the regional showpiece but were edged out 10-3 at derby rivals Clee Hill, the team Black’s side beat at the same stage of last year’s competition.

And while Hill gained revenge for the 2019 Midlands semi-final, Black sees no reason why Tenbury – beaten finalists last term – will not be challenging for regional glory again next season.

“The Vase has been a big part of the club the last couple of years and I think we are quite confident in our level of rugby that we can take on most teams,” said Black.

“It was a good game played in the right spirit on Saturday. It’s frustrating to lose but we gave it our all – I don’t think either side dominated, Clee Hill just took their opportunity when it came.

“But we wish Clee Hill well in the final – it’s good to have a team in the final from this area for the second year running, it’s testament to the great rugby played around here.”

With both sides landing a penalty apiece, it was a Robbie Jordan pushover try that decided a game in which all of the points were scored in the first period.

Black pinpointed ‘careless’ penalties conceded in those opening 40 minutes, adding: “That helped them put us on the back foot and pin us in our 22 on a regular basis.

“We had a very clear talk led by (skipper) Ben James at half-time and the lads did put the gameplan into place – we got the ball deep into the Clee Hill 22 but missed a few opportunities.”

Tenbury have the chance to lick their wounds this weekend with scheduled Midlands Four West South opponents Dunlop having withdrawn from the league.

They return to action at home to Harbury on Saturday, February 1, looking to improve on their seventh-placed standing with just under half of the league season remaining.

Black added: “We have to regroup and focus on the remaining games now. To finish in the top section of the league would be great after promotion last season.

“We’re doing things steadily and we will need to bring in some more players to strengthen the squad for next season but we just want to maintain the standard of rugby we are playing."