TENBURY overturned an eight-point interval deficit to gain a narrow, but deserved North Midlands 2 victory over near neighbours Clee Hill in a hard fought local derby played in a good spirit.

Winning the toss visiting skipper Steve Price elected to play up the considerable slope in the hope of containing the hosts and coming back strongly after the break.

Astute kicking saw Clee pin Tenbury in their own 22-metre area, and when the visitors conceded an early penalty for handling on the ground home centre Karl Newman punished them with a successful kick.

Tenbury used their experienced pack to make hard yards, but immediately that Clee got their hands on the ball they kicked their way back down the field.

Newman was always a threat, and when Tenbury tried to run the ball he intercepted, making ground before releasing winger Danny Romeo to race over for an unconverted try.

Just before the break Tenbury reduced arrears with a penalty from full-back Andy Yeomans.

On the restart Tenbury used the home tactic of kicking for position with fly-half Roger Farr and Yeomans constantly pushing Clee back with well-directed punts. Clee conceded penalties and Yeomans closed the gap to two points with a couple of successful kicks.

Skipper Price dummied his way through as Tenbury opened up from their own half and floated a long pass to left-winger Glyn Mutton who raced clear for a try, Yoemans adding the extra points.

Another Yeomans penalty took Tenbury two scores clear, and although Clee mounted a late flourish their only reward was a last minute unconverted try.